15: Graph Qualities: Kurtosis and Skew

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Graph Qualities

    1. Kurtosis – graphical measure of variability among scores
        a. Leptokurtic

        • Small range with a very peaked mode
        b. Platykurtic

        • Large range with a low mode
        c. Mesokurtic

        • Bell-shaped with gradual slopes

2. Skew – graphical measure of extreme scores

    • a. Negative

      • Extreme scores on the left;the mean is pulled downward
    • b. Positive

      • Extreme scores on the right; the mean is pulled upward