- Last Updated: [[2021-01-26]] - A specific pattern that data commonly follows, representing a "bell curve" where most samples fall within the middle of a range of values. Normal distributions are symmetrical. - For the most part, normal distributions are an abstraction and do not occur in reality. However, it may still be a useful tool to help us determine properties of our target population given sample data. - """" - In load testing, normal distribution of results is often assumed, allowing the use of [[Standard Deviation]] as a measure (only for normal distributions). However, load testing results are rarely normal. They might have long tails on the left or right that indicate very fast or very slow response times. - "> Theory shows that the [[Normal distribution]] can be expected to occur for phenomena that are driven by large numbers of small influences, for example a complex physical trait that is not influenced by just a few genes. ([Location 1027](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B07N6D73FZ&location=1027))" -