Lesson MEASURE OF

EDUC 201
SHAPES:
Educational
Statistics
SKEWNESS AND
KURTOSIS

TOPICS AND SUBTOPICS

Measure of Shapes: Skewness and Kurtosis
Definition of Skewness
Two Types of Skewness
Formula for Skewness
Example Using The Pearson Coefficient of Skewness
Definition of Kurtosis
Types of Kurtosis
Formula for Kurtosis
Example

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students must be able to:

Identify the measures of shapes specifically skewness and kurtosis;
Determine the relationship of skewness and kurtosis to one another;
Show patience in solving the skewness and kurtosis of data given
following the formula of each measures of shapes; and
Compute for the skewness and kurtosis on the problem given using
the formula given.

REFERENCES

F. Basilo, E. Chua, M. Jumawan, L.O. Mangabat, M. Mendoza, E. Pacho, F. Tamoria, E.

Villena, F. Vizcarra, T. Yambao, (2003). Fundamental Statistics. Bulacan, Philippines.
Trinitas Publishing Inc. pg. 106-111.
https://codeburst.io/2-important-statistics-terms-you-need-to-know-in-data-science-
skewness-and-kurtosis-388fef94eeaa
http://atozmath.com/example/StatsG.aspx?he=e&q=5
http://atozmath.com/example/StatsG.aspx?he=e&q=6
 Prepared by:
JEZKA A. TAYONGTONG

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 I. ACTIVATION OF PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Before we dive into the topic, let us have an activity first. Have fun and enjoy answering the activity.

1. What have you

observed on the shapes above?

2. What do you think is the meaning of positive skew, symmetrical distribution, and negative
skew?

3. Do you know what these shapes stands of/for?

1. What have you observed on

2. What do you think is leptokurtic, mesokurtic, and platykurtic?

3. Do you know what these shapes stands of/for?

General Question?

1. What do you think is the relationship of the shapes above to one another?

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 ENGAGEMENT IN RELEVANT CONTENT AND
APPROPRIATE LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Measure of Shapes: Skewness and Kurtosis

Frequency distribution can assume almost any shape. This shape of the frequency
distribution influences the relationship, among the measures of central tendency. If the
distribution is symmetric and unimodal, then the mean, the median and the mode will all
coincide. But some frequency distributions are asymmetrical. Distributions of this kind, which
have a pronounced “tail” on one side or the other side, are skewed.

Skewness

 It refers to the symmetry or asymmetry of the frequency

distribution. A frequency distribution is positively skewed if its tails extends farther to
the right of the mode than it does to the left. It is negatively skewed if its tail extends to
the left of the mode than it does to the right.

 A distribution is symmetric if the right side of the distribution is similar to the left side
of the distribution. If a distribution is symmetric, then the Skewness value is 0.

Two Types of Skewness

1)

Figure 1. Positively Skewed

As shown in this distribution, only few individuals received the higher scores. The
frequency polygon in Figure 1 is positively skewed because the tail of the distribution extends
to the right towards the direction of the higher (more positive) score values. It follows that the
mean is higher than the median.

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 If Skewness is greater than 0, then it is
called right-skewed or that the right tail is
longer than the left tail.

Figure 1.1. Positively Skewed

2)

Figure 2.Negatively Skewed

This
polygon is negatively skewed, since the tail of the distribution goes off to the left. This implies
that there are more high scores, so, values cluster to the left. It follows that the mean is lower

If Skewness is less than 0, then it is called left-

skewed or that the left tail is longer than the
right tail.

Figure 2.1. Negatively Skewed

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 Formula for Skewness

We have three formula which is the Pearsonian Coefficient of Skewness that is usually
use in the statistics books, and formula that can be seen on the internet and use by many
statistician.

Pearsonian Coefficient of Skewness

Sk = 3 (Mean – Median)
Standard deviation

Formula for Sample: Formula for Sample:

3 3
SK= ∑(x – x ) SK= ∑(x – x )
3
(n -1) ⋅ S N⋅S 3

where : where:
x = score X = score
x = sample mean x = sample mean
n = sample size N = sample size
s = Standard Deviation S = Standard
Deviation
Formula for Sample and Population is almost the same except for the total number. For
sample the total number will be subtracted to 1 (n-1), while in population the total number
will be used (N).

Example using the Pearson Coefficient of Skewness

Direction/s: Using the date below, solve the skewness of the distributions.

DATA Group A Group B

Mean 72.12 67.10
Median 70.10 65.25
Standard Deviat
15.25 10.12
ion

Solving for the skewness of data:

Group A Group B
Sk = 3 (Mean – Median) Sk = 3 (Mean –
Standard deviation Median)
Standard
Sk = 3(72.12 – 70.10) deviation
15.25
Sk= 0.397 Sk = 3(67.10 –
65.25)
10.12
Sk= 0.548
The skewness value of group A is 0. 397 while for grouo B is 0.548. Both data show
positive skewness, which means that both groups have low scores. However group A has lower
skewness value than the control group received. This implies that the scores of group A are
more dispersed than that of group B.

Later we will use the other skewness formula together with the formula of kurtosis.

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 Kurtosis

B
C

 Kurtosis refers to the

 Kurtosis is a statistical number that tells us if a distribution is taller or shorter than a
normal distribution.

Types of Kurtosis

1. Curve A = Leptokurtic: Sharply peaked with fat tails, and less variable. K > 3

2. Curve B = Mesokurtic: Medium peaked; K = 3

3. Curve C = Platykurtic: Flattest peak and highly dispersed. K < 3

Curve A is leptokurtic because its curve is more peaked than the others. Curve C is
platykurtic because it is less peaked than Curve B. Curve B is a normal curve and it is
mesokurtic.

Kurtosis Formula

Formula for Sample: Formula for Sample:

4
∑( x – x ) ∑( x – x ) 4
K= K=
(n-1) ⋅ S 4 N ⋅S 4

where : where :
x = score x = score
x = sample mean x = sample mean
n = sample size n = sample size
s = Standard Deviation s = Standard Deviation
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 Examples

Example 1: Here are grouped data for the scores of students in an English test. Calculate Sample
Skewness and Sample Kurtosis from the following data.

Class Frequency
Step 1: The data given
2-4 3
4-6 4
6-8 2
8-10 1

Step 2: On the table find the mid value on the data. Write it before the column frequency. Then
compute for the (F · x) by multipying mid value and frequency.
Class Mid Value Frequency F · x
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2-4 3 3 9
4-6 5 4 20
6-8 7 2 14
8-10 9 1 9
N = 10 ∑f· x = 52

Step 3: Now, we can solve for the mean. Mean X = ∑fx

∑f
= 52
10
= 5.2

Step 4: To solve for the standard deviation, we need to compute for the ( x−x́ ) by multiplying
the mid value to the mean, and ( x−x́ )2 by multiplying the ( x−x́ ) twice by itself and multiply to the
frequency to get the answer. Follow the example below.

Example:

( x−x́ ) ( x−x́ )2 (-2.2)x(-2.2) = 4.84

(5) = (2) – (5.2) 4.84 x 3 = 14.52
(6) = (3) x (5)
Same with the rest. Then, the total
- 2. 2 14.52 will be used to solve the standard
deviations.
- 0.2 0.16
1.8 6.84
3.8 14.44
-- = 35.6 Step 5: Now we for us to solve the skewness and
kurtosis, we just need to solve for the ∙ ( x−x́ )3
and ∙ ( x−x́ )4 first, same process with the step 4 but it
Example for column 7, first row:
should be like in the example below:
(-2.2)x(-2.2)x(-2.2)= -10.648
-10.648 x 3 = -31.944
Then same process with the rest.
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 Example for column 8, first row:
(-2.2)x(-2.2)x(-2.2)x(-2.2)= 23.4256
23.4256 x 3 = 70.2768
Then same process with the rest.

F ∙ ( x−x́ )3 F ∙ ( x−x́ )
4

(7) (8)
- 31.944 70.2768
Use the total in
- 0.032 0.0064 each column respectively
- 11.664 20.9952 to get the skewness and
54.872 208.5136 kurtosis.
= 34.56 = 299.792

K= ∑ ( x−x́ )4
SK= ∑
(n-1) ⋅S 3 (n-1) ⋅S 4
= 34.56 = 299.792
9 ⋅ (1.9889)= 34.56 4
9 ⋅ (1.9889)
9 ⋅ 7.867= 0.4881
3 = 299.792
9 ⋅ 15.6464
= 2.1289

Step 6: Interpretation
Skewness: The skewness value is 0. 4881. The data show positive skewness, or is positively
skewed which means that the group has low scores in the English test.

Kurtosis: The kurtosis is 2.1289 which is <3, therefore, it is platykurtic which means the scores
are highly dispersed.

This is the table with the complete data which are needed to find the standard deviation,
skewness, and kurtosis.

Class Mid Frequency F · x ( x−x́ ) ( x−x́ )2 F ∙ ( x−x́ )3 F ∙ ( x−x́ )4

(1) Value (3) (4) (5) = (2) (6) = (3) (7) (8)
(2) – (5.2) x (5)
2-4 3 3 9 - 2. 2 14.52 -
31.9 70.2768
44
4-6 5 4 20 - 0.2 0.16 - 0.03 0.0064
2
6-8 7 2 14 1.8 6.84 - 11.6 20.9952
64
8-10 9 1 9 3.8 14.44 54.872 208.5136
N = 10 ∑f· x = 52 -- = 35.6 = 34.56 = 299.792
Example 2: Let us Class X Frequency calculation the
Population Skewness and 2-3 0 1 Population
Kurtosis from the following
4-5 1 5
grouped data.
6-7 2 10

8-9 93 6

10-11 4 3
Step 1: The data given

Step 2: On the table find the mid value on the data. Write it before the column frequency. Then
compute for the (F · x) by multipying mid value and frequency.

Class (1) Mid Value (2) Frequency (3) F · x (4)

2-3 0 1 0

4-5 1 5 5

6-7 2 10 20

8-9 3 6 18

10-11 4 3 12

N = 25 ∑f· x = 55

Step 3: Now, we can solve for the mean. Mean X = ∑fx

∑f
= 55
25
= 2.2

Step 4: Step 4: To solve for the standard deviation, we need to compute for the ( x−x́ ) by
multiplying the mid value to the mean, and ( x−x́ )2 by multiplying the ( x−x́ ) twice by itself and
multiply to the frequency to get the answer. Follow the example below.

(x – x ) ( x−x́ )2 Example:
(5) = (2) – (5.2) (6) = (3) x (5) (-2.2)x(-2.2) = 4.84
4.84 x 1 = 4.84
- 2. 2 4.84
Same with the rest. Then, the total will be
- 1.2 7.2 used to solve the standard deviations.

- 0.2 0.4
0.8 3.84
1.8 9.72
S=√∑
-- = 26
N= √ 26
25=
√1.04=
10
1.0198
Step 5: Now we for us to solve the skewness and kurtosis, we just need to solve for the ( x−x́ )3

and ( x−x́ )4 first, same process with the step 4 but it should be like in the example below:

Example for column 8, first row:

Example for column 7, first row:
(-2.2)x(-2.2)x(-2.2)x(-2.2)= 23.4256
(-2.2)x(-2.2)x(-2.2)= -10.648
23.4256 x 1 = 23.4256
-10.648 x 1 = -10.648
Then same process with the rest.
Then same process with the rest.

F ∙ ( x−x́ )3 F ∙ ( x−x́ )
4

(7) (8)
Use the total in each
 -10.648  23.4256
column respectively to
 - 8.64 10.368
get the skewness and
 - 0.08  0.01`6
kurtosis.
 3.072 2.4576
 17.496  31.4928
= 1.2 = 6.76
K= ∑
SK= ∑
(n-1) ⋅S
(n-1) ⋅S 3 4
= 6.76
= 1.2
25 ⋅ (1.0198)= 1.2 25 ⋅ (1.0198)
25 ⋅ 1.0606= 0.0453 = 6.76
3 4
25 ⋅ 1.0816=
2.5059

Step 6: Interpretation

Skewness: The skewness value is 0.0453. The data show positive skewness, or is positively
skewed which means that the group has low scores in the English test.
Kurtosis: The kurtosis is 2.5059 which is <3, therefore, it is platykurtic which means the scores
are highly dispersed.

This is the table with the complete data which are needed to find the standard deviation,
skewness, and kurtosis.
Class Mid Frequency F · x ( x−x́ ) ( x−x́ )2 2 F ∙ ( x−x́ )3 F ∙ ( x−x́ )4
(1) Value (3) (4) (5) = (2) (6) = (3) (7) (8)
(2) – (5.2) x (5)
2-3 0 1 1 - 2. 2 4.84  -10.648  23.4256
4-5 1 5 5 - 1.2 7.2  - 8.64 10.368
6-7 2 10 10 - 0.2 0.4  - 0.08  0.01`6
8-9 3 6 6 0.8 3.84  3.072 2.4576
10-11 4 3 3 1.8 9.72  17.496  31.4928
-- N=25 n=25 -- = 26 = 1.2 = 6.76

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 III. REFLECTIONS

How much did you know about the subject before we started?

What is the formula for sample skewness and populations skewness?

How do you solve problems involving the Skewness and Kurtosis?

How did you solve for skewness using Pearsonian Coeffiecient of Skewness?

How do you solve for the kurtosis?

RUBRICS ON REFLECTION

Outstanding Demonstrates excellent insights and is able to apply past and present
(5) experiences to future situations and integrate into different issues from wide
range of perspectives.
Satisfactory Proficiently demonstrates reflection and deep thinking of acquired knowledge and
(4) concepts, and integrate them into different issues from wide range of perspectives.

Developing Shows satisfactory ability to relate acquired knowledge and experience to previous
(3) knowledge and experiences, and demonstrates attempt to analyze the issues
encountered.
Beginning Includes description of events and activities, and a little further consideration behind
(2) the events using relatively descriptive style of language.

Novice No reflection is demonstrated beyond the descriptions.

(1)

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 IV. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

In this activity, you will be using the different concepts you learned on Skewness and Kurtosis
in order to answer the given problems.

Problem No. 1:
Use Pearson’s Coefficient to find the skewness for data with the following characteristics:

Mean = 70.5
Median = 80
Standard deviation = 19.33

Problem No. 2: College men height

Here are grouped data for heights of 100 randomly selected male students. Find the
sample skewness and kurtosis of the data given.

Class
Height Frequency, 
Mark, 
(inches) f
x

59.5–
62.5 61 5

62.5–
65.5 64 18

65.5–
68.5 67 42

68.5–
Problem No. 3: Size of Rat 71.5 70 27 Litters

71.5–
Using the given data. Find the population
74.5 73 8
skewness and kurtosis of the data given.

Frequency distribution of litter size in rats, n = 815

Litter size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Frequency 7 33 58 116 125 126 121 107 56 37 25 4

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 RUBRICS ON PROBLEM SOLVING

Outstanding Satisfactory Developing Beginning Novice

CRITERIA
(100%) (99%-92%) (91%-84%) (83%-76%) (75%)
For 5 points 5 4 3 2 1
For 10 points 10 9-7 6-4 3-2 1
Student states Student
the problem adequately Student Student fails to
Student does
Defining the clearly and states the adequately define the
not identify the
Problem identifies problem and defines the problem
problem.
underlying identifies some problem. adequately.
issues. issues.
Student
Student
develops a clear
develops an Student
and concise Student Student does
adequate plan develops a
Developing a plan to solve develops an not develop a
with some marginal plan,
Plan to Solve the problem,
alternative
adequate plan
and does not
coherent plan to
the Problem with alternative and follows it solve the
strategies and follow it to
strategies, and to conclusion. problem.
follows the plan conclusion.
follows the plan
to conclusion.
to conclusion.
Student collects Student collects
Student collects
information adequate Student collect
adequate
Collecting and from multiple information inadequate Student collects
information and
Analyzing sources and from and
perform
information to no viable
Information analyzes the analyzes the perform basic information.
meaningful
information in- information in- analyses.
analyses.
depth. depth.
Student
Student
provides a Student Student
provides
logical provides an provides
adequate
Interpreting interpretation adequate inadequate
interpretation Student does
of the findings interpretation interpretation
Findings and of the findings not interpret the
and clearly of the findings of the findings
Solving the solves the
and solves the
and solves the and does not
findings/reach a
Problem problem, conclusion.
problem, problem, but derive a logical
offering some
offering fails to provide solution to the
alternative
alternative alternatives. problem.
solution.
solutions.
TOTAL

V. FEEDBACK

Your responses to the following statements are essential towards improving the content of this
module so that we can serve your needs better. Kindly answer the following statements with honesty.
Rest assured that your responses will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Strongly Strongly
Agree Disagree
Agree Disagree
1. CONTENT
1.1. The module provides succinct information about the
topics covered and clear instruction on its
assessment details.
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subject better.
1.3. The module enhances my skills necessary for my
future career undertakings.
1.4. The module content is up to date.
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 1.5. The topics discussed are relevant to my course.
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5. OVERALL SATISFACTION
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The What do you like most about this module?

What are your suggestions to improve this module?

Adopted but modified by Nur O. Amilin from

https://www.worc.ac.uk/aqu/documents/Module_Evaluation_Questionnaire.docx

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