Interpreting the Mean and Median: Learn It 2

  • Name the features of the distribution of a data set using statistical language
  • Describe the connection between the distribution of a data set and its mean and median

Let’s use technology to analyze this data set.

Go to the Describing and Exploring Quantitative Variables tool

Step 1: Select the Single Group tab.

Step 2: Locate the drop-down menu under Enter Data and select Your Own.

Step 3: Under Do you have, select Individual Observations.

Step 4: Under Name of Variable, type “U.S. Viewers (Millions).”

Step 5: Cut and paste or enter the data from the spreadsheet for U.S. Viewers (Millions).

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We think of the mean as the “average” data value and the median as the [latex]50[/latex]th percentile, the value that splits the data in half.

From the example above, we found that when the graph is skewed to the right, the mean will be greater than the median.
What would be the relationship between mean and median when the graph is skewed left?