Comparing Measures of Center and Variability

The tables show the scores of a random sample of 10 males and 12 females on a flexibility test, where a higher score indicates greater overall flexibility. Based on the data, what conclusion can be made about the flexibility of the males and females in the sample?

• The females in the sample are generally more flexible than the males because the female scores have a higher mean than the male scores.

• The females in the sample are generally more flexible than the males because the female scores have a lower median score than the male scores.

• The flexibility of males in the sample varies less because the male scores have a larger interquartile range than the female scores.

• The flexibility of males in the sample varies less because the male scores have a larger range than the female scores.

What measure of center is best to use when we have outliers or the data is skewed?

• mean

• median

• mode

• range

If there is an Outlier in the set which measure of CENTER would you use?

• Mean

• Median

• IQR

• Standard Deviation

Compare the centers and spreads. 

•  Math has a higher median (center) and a wider spread.

•  Math has a higher median (center) and a smaller spread.

• Math has a lower median (center) and a smaller spread.

• Math has a lower median (center) and a wider spread.

Which measure of center should you use for the following data distribution?

• mean

• median

Select all the most appropriate measures of center and variability for the data set.

• Range

• Maximum

• Median

• Interquartile Range

• Mean

The best description of the data is ​ (a)   . ​ ​ The most appropriate measure of center is the​ (b)   . The most appropriate measure of variability is the ​ (c)   .

​

• range

• mean

• IQR

• median

• skewed right

• symmetric

• symmetric with an outlier

• skewed left

The best description of the data is ​ ​ (a)   . ​ The most appropriate measure of center is the​ ​ (b)   . The most appropriate measure of variability is the ​ ​ (c)   .

• range

• mean

• skewed left

• mean

• range

• skewed right

• symmetric

• symmetric with an outlier

Match the measures of center and variability with their definitions

• Most. The number that appears most

• Mode

• Distance between largest and smallest

• IQR

• Average. Add all data, divide by #

• Median

• Middle. Place in number order

• Mean

• Distance of the middle 50% of the data

• Range

Which measure of center should you use?

• mean

• median