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Central Tendency
Define
Mean
Median
Mode
Midrange
What is the effect of distribution shape on
measures of central tendency?
When might we prefer one measure of central
tendency to another?
Central Tendency refers to the
Middle of the Distribution
Mean for Raw Data
The mean is the sum of measurements /
number of subjects
Formula: (X-bar) = Xi / n
Data :
0, 10, 20, 0, 20
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Example for Mean
Formula: = Xi / n
= 50 /5
= 10
5
Median
Score that separates top 50% from bottom
50%
Even number of scores, median is half way
between two middle scores.
1 2 3 4 | 5 6 7 8 Median is 4.5
Odd number of scores, median is the middle
number
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Median is 4
Mode
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Example for Nominal Variables:
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Mean for Aggregate (Grouped) Data
Formula: = (f*Xm)
n
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Frequency table:
Score f Xm*
41-50 1 45.5
51-60 3 55.5
61-70 8 65.5
71-80 3 75.5
81-90 2 85.5
91-100 3 95.5
n = 20 (f*Xm) = 1420
* Find midpoints first
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Calculating Mean for Grouped Data:
Formula: = (f*Xm)
n
= 1420 / 20
= 71
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Properties of the Mean:
- Only for numerical data
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NOTE:
When distribution is symmetric,
mean = median = mode
For skewed, mean will lie in direction of skew.
i.e. skewed to right (tail pulled to right)
mean > median (positive skew)
skewed to left (tail pulled to left)
median > mean (negative skew)
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Midrange
A Measure of Central Tendency
Average of Smallest and Largest
Observation:
x l arg est x smallest
Midrange
2
Affected by Extreme Value
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Midrange = 5 Midrange = 5
The weighted mean of a set of numbers X1,
X2, ..., Xn, with corresponding weights w1,
w2, ...,wn, is computed from the following
formula:
15
The Carter Construction Company pays its hourly employees $16.50,
$19.00, or $25.00 per hour. There are 26 hourly employees, 14 of
which are paid at the $16.50 rate, 10 at the $19.00 rate, and 2 at the
$25.00 rate. What is the mean hourly rate paid the 26 employees?
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Mean Mode Mean Mean
Mode
Median
Median Mode Median
0
10 20 30 40 50
age
NOTE:
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Remember the Rounding Rules!
Always use as many decimal places as your
calculator can handle.
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Homework # 1
#1 p. 118
#14 p. 119
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