,INC3701 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 23
June 2025
Question 1: Essay
Discuss the implications of using the bell curve to define
"normality" in society and education.
The Implications of Using the Bell Curve to Define “Normality”
in Society and Education
Introduction
The bell curve, also known as the normal distribution, is a
statistical model that represents how data tends to cluster
around an average. While it originated in mathematics and
statistics, it has increasingly been used in social and
educational contexts to define what is considered "normal."
This essay explores the historical origins and evolution of the
bell curve, how it has been used to define "normality," and
the resulting educational and social implications. Additionally,
the essay examines critiques of this approach and explores
alternative methods for understanding human diversity.
Origins and Evolution of the Bell Curve
The bell curve was first introduced by Carl Friedrich Gauss in
the early 19th century to describe the distribution of errors in
, astronomical data. Later, Adolphe Quetelet applied the model
to social statistics, proposing that human characteristics such
as height and intelligence followed a normal distribution. Sir
Francis Galton further popularised its application in measuring
intelligence and introduced the concept of “regression to the
mean.” Over time, the bell curve shifted from a neutral
statistical tool to one used in social sciences and psychology to
measure and compare human traits.
This evolution saw the bell curve used in intelligence testing
(e.g., IQ scores), where the average score (usually 100) was
treated as "normal," and those scoring significantly above or
below this were labelled as "gifted" or "mentally deficient,"
respectively. Such applications marked a move from statistical
description to social categorisation.
Defining "Normality" in Society and Education
The bell curve has significantly shaped societal and
educational definitions of normality. In society, it often
underpins assumptions about what behaviours, abilities, or
characteristics are “typical” or “acceptable.” For instance, in
intelligence testing, those within one standard deviation of
the mean are considered “normal,” while those outside are
viewed as “abnormal.”
June 2025
Question 1: Essay
Discuss the implications of using the bell curve to define
"normality" in society and education.
The Implications of Using the Bell Curve to Define “Normality”
in Society and Education
Introduction
The bell curve, also known as the normal distribution, is a
statistical model that represents how data tends to cluster
around an average. While it originated in mathematics and
statistics, it has increasingly been used in social and
educational contexts to define what is considered "normal."
This essay explores the historical origins and evolution of the
bell curve, how it has been used to define "normality," and
the resulting educational and social implications. Additionally,
the essay examines critiques of this approach and explores
alternative methods for understanding human diversity.
Origins and Evolution of the Bell Curve
The bell curve was first introduced by Carl Friedrich Gauss in
the early 19th century to describe the distribution of errors in
, astronomical data. Later, Adolphe Quetelet applied the model
to social statistics, proposing that human characteristics such
as height and intelligence followed a normal distribution. Sir
Francis Galton further popularised its application in measuring
intelligence and introduced the concept of “regression to the
mean.” Over time, the bell curve shifted from a neutral
statistical tool to one used in social sciences and psychology to
measure and compare human traits.
This evolution saw the bell curve used in intelligence testing
(e.g., IQ scores), where the average score (usually 100) was
treated as "normal," and those scoring significantly above or
below this were labelled as "gifted" or "mentally deficient,"
respectively. Such applications marked a move from statistical
description to social categorisation.
Defining "Normality" in Society and Education
The bell curve has significantly shaped societal and
educational definitions of normality. In society, it often
underpins assumptions about what behaviours, abilities, or
characteristics are “typical” or “acceptable.” For instance, in
intelligence testing, those within one standard deviation of
the mean are considered “normal,” while those outside are
viewed as “abnormal.”
