'Realistic' Ability Scores - Distribution, Mean and Variance/SD

[babomb]

Well, the mean IQ is 100 by definition, and the standard deviation is 15 or 16, IIRC.

Of course, IQ tests are controversial, what with claims of cultural bias, multiple intelligence theory, and so on.

 

[Psionicist]

I'd say that a typical person should have around 10 in all stats.
10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, should be FAR more common than say 8, 12, 8, 12, 8, 12, let alone 14, 6, 14, 6, 14, 6.

 

[dcollins]

I also think (in general agreement with the previous poster) that ability scores will cluster around 10s -- and that the standard deviation will be, say, smaller than from a 3d6 random roll.

Intelligence is a pretty good place to start, since classical D&D Intelligence is defined as basically 1/10th of a real-life IQ square. As a guide this would indicate (see two posts up) a standard deviation of about 1.5 in that particular score. Since that's always a controversial topic, I have a page on the subject (with relevant documentation), here: www.superdan.net/dndmisc/int_iq.html

 

[Roman]

I found an excellent article on measuring (aerobic) endurance. Enjoy:

http://nsca.allenpress.com/nscaonline/?request=get-document&doi=10.1519%2F1533-4295(1999)021%3C0009:STFTSA%3E2.0.CO%3B2

 

[Roman]

I also think (in general agreement with the previous poster) that ability scores will cluster around 10s -- and that the standard deviation will be, say, smaller than from a 3d6 random roll.

Intelligence is a pretty good place to start, since classical D&D Intelligence is defined as basically 1/10th of a real-life IQ square. As a guide this would indicate (see two posts up) a standard deviation of about 1.5 in that particular score. Since that's always a controversial topic, I have a page on the subject (with relevant documentation), here: www.superdan.net/dndmisc/int_iq.html

That was pretty interesting - I was certainly unaware of the intense debate going on with respect to converting IQ to D&D intelligence scores... - well researched BTW!

 

[Dogbrain]

IQ is not symmetrically distributed. Most human attributes are not symmetrically distributed.

 

[Roman]

IQ is not symmetrically distributed. Most human attributes are not symmetrically distributed.

Well, do you have any information as to how they are distributed? It would be very interesting to see.

 

[Roman]

During the American Civil War, the US Army did extensive physical testing of their recruits. Unfortunately, beyond knowing that this was done and published, I've no more information.

In a low-tech game context, this study would be very useful, since at that time, the majority of recruits were from farms or small towns.

Hmm, that would be very interesting - I don't suppose you know anything about where to find the study?

 

[Roman]

Just wondering if anyone has something else to add.

 

[Dogbrain]

Hmm, that would be very interesting - I don't suppose you know anything about where to find the study?

Cornell University has a copy, but I didn't think to write down the bibliographic details when I worked there. Maybe you could write a letter to the US Army and ask if they could furnish a title.