# What is the Central Limit Theorem in Statistics?

The central limit theorem states that the sampling distribution of the mean approaches a normal distribution as the sample size increases. This fact holds especially true for sample sizes over 30.

Therefore, as a sample size increases, the sample mean and standard deviation will be closer in value to the population mean μ and standard deviation σ.

## Why is the central limit theorem important?

The central limit theorem tells us that no matter what the distribution of the population is, the shape of the sampling distribution will approach normality as the sample size (N) increases.

This is useful, as the research never knows which mean in the sampling distribution is the same as the population mean, but by selecting many random samples from a population, the sample means will cluster together, allowing the research to make a very good estimate of the population mean.

Thus, the sampling error will decrease as the sample size (N) increases.

## Summary

• As the sample size increases, the distribution of frequencies approximates a bell-shaped curved (i.e. normal distribution curve).
• Sample sizes equal to or greater than 30 are required for the central limit theorem to hold true.
• A sufficiently large sample can predict the parameters of a population, such as the mean and standard deviation.

Olivia Guy-Evans

BSc (Hons), Psychology, MSc, Psychology of Education

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Educator, Researcher

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, Ph.D., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years experience of working in further and higher education.