Bimodal Distribution
In statistics, Bimodal Distributions have two peaks that also create a curve. In the context of a continuous probability distribution, modes are peaks that create curves in the distribution.
What Causes Bimodal Distributions in statistics?
Recognizing that your data may follow a bimodal distribution will help you better understand your study topic. This type of distribution usually has an explanation for its existence.
Definition, Examples & Analysis
These have two peaks. In the context of a continuous probability distribution, modes are peaks in the distribution. The graph below shows one.
When the peaks have unequal heights, the higher apex is the major mode, and the lower is the minor mode.
What Causes Bimodal Distributions?
Recognizing that your data will help you better understand your study topic. This type of distribution usually has an explanation for its existence. Here are several examples.
Merging Two Processes or Populations
In some cases, combining two processes or populations in one dataset will produce one. Each of the underlying conditions has its own mode. Combine them and, voilà, two modes!
For example, imagine you measure the weights of adult black bears. When you graph the data, you see a distribution with two peaks. It turns out that female black bears have an average weight of 175 pounds while the males average 400 pounds. Each average corresponds to a peak in the distribution. Hence, one peak is for females and the other for males.
