Question 1: Give an example representing a discrete probability

distribution and another example representing a continuous probability

distribution. Explain why your choices are discrete and continuous.
A random variable is a quantity resulting from an experiment that, by chance, can
assume different values (Lind, Marchal, & Wathan, 2013, p. 168). A random
variable reports the particular outcome of an experiment (Lind et al, 2013, p.
169). These random variables will be either discrete or continuous. If the random
variable is discrete it means that it can result from only a certain number of clearly
separated values (Lind et al, 2013, p. 169). Random variables which are discrete
usually result from counting something and could be fractional or decimal (Lind et
al, 2013, p. 169).
If the random variable is continuous it means that, with little limitation, the value
assumed can be one of an infinitely large number of values (Lind et al, 2013, p.
169). Random variables which are continuous usually result from measuring
something. An example of a discrete random variable might be the number of Bs
which people get at the end of this course. An example of a continuous random
variable might be how many hours it takes commercial flights flying between DCA
(Washington DC Airport) and MCO (Orlando Airport).
The likelihood of random variables, either discrete or continuous, can be
summarized by way of a probability distribution (Lind et al, 2013, p. 169). A
probability distribution, whether it is discrete or continuous, reports all the possible
outcomes of an experiment as well as the corresponding probability (Lind et al,
2013, p. 169).
Example of a Discrete Probability Distribution:
A company manufactures shirts in lots of 20. An inspector randomly selects 2
garments from each lot. In this case the discrete random variable is the number of
defects. Sometimes the inspected garments have no defects, sometimes there is 1
defected garment, sometimes 2, etc. There is an associated probability that the
various outcomes will occur. There is a .25 probability that there will be no defects,
a .50 probability that 1 will be defected, and a .25 probability that both will be
defected. The sum of these probabilities is 1.00, the probability of each outcome is
between 0.00 and 1.00, and the outcomes are mutually exclusive; these are all
features of a discrete probability distribution (Lind et al, 2013, p.188).
Example of a Continuous Probability Distribution:
The weight of an adult female would be a continuous random variable. When
measuring the weight of an adult female we might be interested in the probability
that the weight is between 130 and 160 pounds. There are an infinite number of
values so the probability is for a specific range (130 to 160 pounds) instead of a
specific value (145 pounds).
Question 2: Carefully define a standard normal distribution. Why does a
researcher want to go from a normal distribution to a standard normal
distribution? Explain.

A standard normal distribution has a mean of zero and a standard deviation of 1.

Any normal probability distribution can be converted into a standard normal
probability distribution by subtracting the mean from each observation and dividing
the difference by the standard deviation which results in z values, also referred to
as z scores (Lind et al, 2013, p. 203). The standard normal distribution shares the
same major characteristics as the normal distribution; it is bell shaped, symmetrical,
and asymptotic (Lind et al, 2013, p.201). Its location is determined by the mean and
the dispersion of the distribution is determined by the standard deviation (Lind et al,
2013, p. 201).
A researcher would want to go from a normal distribution to a standard normal
distribution because it allows them to report the distance of a value from the mean
in units of standard deviation (Lind et al, 2013, p. 216). The standard normal
distribution follows the Empirical Rule (68-95-99.7 Rule), stating that 68% of the
data falls within one standard deviation of the mean, 95% within two standard
deviations, and 99.7% of data falls within three standard deviations of the mean
(Perekupka, para. 9). Essentially it allows them to standardize the information in
one scale where the mean and standard deviation are set, and to find areas under
the density curve using a standard normal table (Perekupka).
References
Lind, D., Marchal, W., & Wathan, S. (2013). Basic statistics for business and
economics (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Perekupka, M. (n.d.). Standard Normal Distribution: Definition & Example. Retrieved
January 20, 2016, from http://study.com/academy/lesson/standard-normaldistribution-definition-example.html