An interactive computer graphics approach for dissecting a mixture of normal (or lognormal) distributions

Abstract

An interactive computer graphics program has been developed to dissect mixtures of normal (or lognormal) distributions. The program incorporates both graphical and analytical techniques to obtain a more satisfactory solution to the problem of dissection. Within a matter of minutes, a mixed frequency curve can be decomposed into its normal (or lognormal) components. A statistical summary following dissection makes it possible to evaluate the goodness-of-fit and the separability of the inferred subpopulations. Individual components can be added or subtracted and adjustments can be made to individual parameters of components. An example of dissection is given in geology and in sports.