Mean vs Median Statistics Example 4
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 4
mediumA runner's practice times (in minutes) are 24, 25, 24, 26, 25, 24. Would the mean or the median better describe a typical practice time? Explain.
Solution
- 1 Step 1: Mean = and the median is .
- 2 Step 2: The values are tightly clustered with no extreme outlier, so either the mean or median is a reasonable description of a typical practice time.
Answer
Either measure is reasonable because the data has no strong outlier and both centre values are close together.
When data is fairly balanced and does not contain extreme values, the mean and median usually tell a similar story. In those cases, either can describe a typical value well.
About Mean vs Median
Mean and median are both measures of center but respond differently to extreme values (outliers). The mean is pulled toward outliers because it uses every value in its calculation, while the median is resistant to outliers because it depends only on the middle position.
Learn more about Mean vs Median →More Mean vs Median Examples
Example 1 medium
House prices on a street (in thousands): 200, 210, 190, 205, 195, 800. Calculate the mean and median
Example 2 mediumTest scores: 78, 82, 79, 81, 80. Calculate both the mean and median. What do you notice?
Example 3 mediumSalaries at a small company: [formula]32k, [formula]33k, [formula]150k. Should the company report th