Distributions

This is the landing page for everything related to the distributions of your constructs of interest.

With distribution we mean how your scores are distributed across the units you are studying. For intensive longitudinal data we are often interested in how scores are distributed over time within a given case (e.g., within a person). We may also be interested in how scores are distributed across cases (e.g., across multiple persons).

The distributions of variables imply what scores you should expect for the process you are studying. Having knowledge about the distribution of your construct of interest is useful for designing your measurement instrument and sampling design. Knowledge of the distribution of your process is also crucial for data analysis.

Below we have specified multiple articles that help you consider the distribution of your construct and measurements.

Think more about distributions

Distribution of your construct

The expected pattern or variation of your construct across cases or occasions.

  • [Discrete or continuous constructs]
  • [Types of distributions]
  • [Distributional characteristics]
  • Types of variation
Distribution of your measurements

The assumed distribution of your construct may affect the distribution of your measurements.

Relation between distribution and timescale of your construct

Considering how the distribution of your construct unfolds over time.

Modeling different distributions

Aligning your modeling approach to the distribution of your construct.


Noémi K. Schuurman

2025-05-23