Central Limit Theorem Simulation

This applet evaluates the accuracy of the central limit theorem approximation by computing sample means of data drawn from a gamma distribution, with parameters eqn and eqn with eqn.

How to use the applet

  1. Choose a sample size, eqn, from the drop down box. Choose a sample size between 1 and 100.
  2. Enter value for the parameter, eqn, of the gamma distribution into the cells at the top. Note, this cell acts like a spreadsheet application; to change its entry, click on it, delete the current value, type a new one, and then press enter. The value of eqn must be a positive integer. When you update the value of the parameter, the plot in lower-left titled "Gamma Density Function" is updated to reflect the new distribution.
  3. Click the button that reads "Generate Data." 1000 samples of size eqn will be generated from eqn.
  4. You can view the generated data and each sample mean, eqn, by clicking the button that reads "View Data."
  5. A histogram of the sample means is plotted in the center plot, and a normal curve is superimposed.
  6. The lower-right plot is a normal probability plot of the sample means.

The applet

No Java Plug-in support for applet, see http://java.sun.com/products/plugin/