Measures of Central Tendency

Question 1

What do measures of central tendency do?

Answer 1

Tell us about the performance of a group using a number

Question 2

How do we calculate and interpret mean?

Answer 2

• total of scores for all PPs/ number of PPs
• tells us the average score
• higher mean = better performance (unless if unit is time)

Question 3

What are the pros and cons of using mean?

Answer 3

PRO: More representative as ALL PPs scores are taken into account instead of just one being focused on
CON: Since all PPs scores are taken into account, value can be affected by anomalous results

Question 4

How do we calculate and interpret median?

Answer 4

• Arrange PPs scores in ascending order, pick middle value, if there are 2 add them then divide by 2
• Tells us average score
• Higher average = better performance (unless time)

Question 5

What are the pros and cons of using median?

Answer 5

PRO: Not impacted by anomalous results as only one value is taken into account
CON: Not representative of all values as only focuses on middle value

Question 6

How do we calculate and interpret mode?

Answer 6

• Identify most common score - can be more than one if same frequency
• Higher average = better performance (unless time)

Question 7

What are the pros and cons of using mode?

Answer 7

PRO: Not impacted by anomalous results as only one value is taken into account
CON: Not representative of all values as only focuses on most common value