Introduction to Distributions

Overview

Explore how data behaves from start to finish. You'll learn to describe distributions, calculate measures of center and spread, and interpret histograms and box plots — building the skills to spot patterns, identify outliers, and draw meaningful conclusions from real-world data.

What you'll learn

Describe distributions using measures of center and spread
Calculate mean, median, mode, range, and interquartile range
Interpret histograms, including bins, bar heights, and distribution shapes
Analyze box plots using the five-number summary
Identify outliers using the 1.5 × IQR rule
Compare distributions and select appropriate summary measures

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

University courses you can audit for free, with lectures, readings and practice quizzes.
A verified certificate from the university if you pay for it.
Self-paced: start any time.

Disadvantages

Graded assignments and the certificate need the paid track.
Audit access can expire a few weeks after the course ends.
Learning is free, but the certificate costs money.
Some parts (graded work, certificate) are paid.

Some points apply to every course of this kind; see how we rank.

Free to audit

Free: Choose "Audit this course" when you enrol: lectures, readings and practice are free.
Paid: Graded assignments and the verified certificate (Certificate $40). Audit access may end after the course closes.

Before you start

Beginner: Describing Data Statistically Beginner: Describing Distributions Comfort with basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) Comfort with operations using decimals The ability to order numbers from least to greatest