Purchase Solution

When is the mean the best measure of central tendency?

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Question 1:
When is the mean the best measure of central tendency? When is the median the best measure of central tendency? Explain.

Questions 2:
A researcher has determined that the distribution of annual salaries of NBA players is bell-shaped and symmetrical about the mean salary, do you think that introducing Michael Jordan's last annual salary of more than $30 million would skew this distribution? Explain why or why not. What would be the best measure of central tendency for this distribution? Explain

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

This solution discusses mean and median in 234 words.

Solution Preview

1. Median is the best measure of central tendency when the distribution is skewed, or asymmetric. The reason for this is that the mean is extremely sensitive to outliers. For example, if a distribution has a heavy right tail, the mean will be pulled towards the right tail because the higher values will have a lot of influence when you ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Measures of Central Tendency

This quiz evaluates the students understanding of the measures of central tendency seen in statistics. This quiz is specifically designed to incorporate the measures of central tendency as they relate to psychological research.

Terms and Definitions for Statistics

This quiz covers basic terms and definitions of statistics.

Know Your Statistical Concepts

Each question is a choice-summary multiple choice question that presents you with a statistical concept and then 4 numbered statements. You must decide which (if any) of the numbered statements is/are true as they relate to the statistical concept.

Measures of Central Tendency

Tests knowledge of the three main measures of central tendency, including some simple calculation questions.