Comparing Two Sets of Data: Measures of Center and Measures of Spread

This lesson teaches how to compare two data sets using measures of center (median, mean) and measures of spread (standard deviation, IQR). It emphasizes the importance of using both types of measures for a complete comparison. Examples include comparing aluminum and plastic recycling data using mean and standard deviation, as well as median and IQR. Visual aids like histograms and box plots are used to illustrate the concepts.

What are the two measures of center mentioned for comparing data sets?

• Range and IQR

• Standard Deviation and Variance

• Mean and Mode

• Median and Mean

When comparing data sets, why is it important to use both a measure of center and a measure of spread?

• To ensure the data is accurate

• To provide a complete and informative comparison

• To make the data look more complex

• To avoid using graphs

If a data set has a larger standard deviation, what does it indicate about the data?

• The data is more spread out from the mean

• The data is more compact around the mean

• The data has a lower median

• The data has a higher mean

What does a smaller IQR indicate about a data set?

• The data is more compact about the median

• The data is more spread out about the median

• The data has a higher mean

• The data has a larger standard deviation

In a box plot, what does a greater median indicate when comparing two data sets?

• The data set has a larger range

• The data set is more compact

• The data set has a higher central value

• The data set has a smaller standard deviation