Comparing Interpreting Measures of Center and Variation

The double box plot below shows the number of car shows attended by two car clubs each year. Compare the centers and variations of the two populations.

• The Cruisers' IQR is 5 greater than the Car Hops' IQR.

• The Car Hops' IQR is 2 greater than the Cruisers' IQR.

• The data for the Car Hops is more consistent.

• The data for the Cruisers is more consistent.

The double box plot shows the heights in inches for the players on two professional basketball teams.

• While the median heights are about the same, the variation in heights is greater for the NJ Nets than the NY Knicks.

• While the median heights are about the same, the variation in heights is greater for the NY Knicks than the NJ Nets.

• The heights of the NJ Nets are more consistently centered around the median.

• The heights of the NY Knicks are less consistently centered around the median.

The double box plot shows the average monthly high temperatures for Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

• Las Vega temperatures show greater variability than Phoenix.

• Phoenix temperatures show greater variability than Las Vegas.

• Las Vegas temperatures are more consistently centered around the median.

• Phoenix has a greater temperature range than Las Vegas.

The double dot plot shows the number of city pet registrations for several days.

• The mean number of cat registrations is greater than the mean number of dog registrations.

• The dogs’ data has a mean of 10 registrations.

• The cats’ data has a mean of 15 registrations.

• The mean number of dog registrations is greater than the mean number of cat registrations.

The chart on the left shows the statistics on test scores in period 1 and period 5. Which is true?

• The average test score is higher for period 5, but the data is more spread out.

• The average test score is higher for period 1, but the data is more spread out.

• The average test score is higher for period 5, and the data is more consistent (closer to the mean) than period 1.

• The average test score is higher for period 1, and the data is more consistent (closer to the mean) than period 5.

What conclusion can Ms. Long make about the performance of her first- and second-period classes?

• The first-period class had a higher median score than the second-period class.

• The second-period class scores had a higher mean than the first-period class scores.

• The first-period class scores had a greater range than the second-period class scores.

• The second-period class scores had a greater mean absolute deviation than the first-period class scores.

Which measure is the same in both classes?

• Median

• Lower Quartile

• Range

• Interquartile Range

Which set has a greater measure of center?

• A

• B

Which measure of center should you use?

• mean

• median

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

• mean

• median