Graphs of Block Data - Normal Probability Plot: Block Columns

To create a normal probability plot for the values in each column of the block, and plot in separate graph windows:

  1. Select a block of data within a spreadsheet.
  2.  Select Graphs of Block Data.
  3.  Select Normal Prob. Plot: Block Columns  from the Graphs menu.

Alternate method:

  1. Right-click on the selected block of data and select Graphs of Block Data.
  2. Select  Normal Prob. Plot: Block Columns  from the resulting shortcut menu.

To create one graph (a multiple normal probability plot) to allow for comparisons between the normality of the distribution of values in the block columns:

  1. Select Graphs of Block Data.
  2. Select Custom Graph from Block by Column from the Graphs menu.
  3. Click the More button on the Select Graph dialog.
  4. Select the Single Window (Overlaid) option button.

To create a normal probability plot for each of the rows in the block:

  1. Select Graphs of Block Data.
  2. Select  Custom Graph from Block by Row from the Graphs menu.

To create probability plots for entire variables (columns) or cases (rows):

  1. Select Graphs of Block Data.
  2.  Select Custom Graph for Entire Column or Graphs of Block Data, then Custom Graph for Entire Row.
  3. Use the custom graph options to create a variety of probability plots (suchas detrended, half-normal, and normal).
Note: If the data in columns (or rows) that are compared in the graph have different ranges, the comparison will be biased, as the range will affect the slope of the fit.

To avoid this bias, bring the data to a common range (such as via standardization or other transformations) before creating this graph.

For more information on normal probability plots, see Graphs of Input Data - Probability Plot by... or Stats Graphs - Probability Plots.