A statistical summary sums up the features of a data set.

The spread/dispersion of data values describes how far apart the pieces of data are.

a summary measure that attempts to describe a whole set of data with a single value that represents the middle or centre of its distribution

Statistical problems - statistical summaries

Maths

In this unit, pupils consider the mean, median and mode and evaluate their usefulness in a variety of contexts. In the sampling unit, pupils are given the opportunity to consider where the data came from and how it was collected and can therefore start to evaluate how good a representation the sample is of the whole population.

In this unit, pupils learnt how to calculate the mean and began to use the mean to make comparisons between two sets of data. Pupils also considered whether the mean was an appropriate way of representing the data 

In this unit pupils explore the concept of measures of central tendancy, developing understanding of different types of average and their relative benefits and drawbacks. We then investigate other summaries of data such as the range and data comparison techniques.

Numerical summaries of data

Which statistical summary is not a type of average?

Select the type of average that could be used for the following data: dog, cat, dog, dog, fish, cat, cat, hamster, cat

Each data set has a mean of 50.  For which data set is this average the least representative of numbers in the set?

Select the type of average which would least represent the central tendency of the following data: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 10

The table provide a statistical summary of data about monthly rainfall in four regions. Which region tends to get the most rainfall?

The table provide a statistical summary of data about monthly rainfall in four regions. In which region is the amount of rainfall most consistent?

the sum of the data divided by the number of data points

the data value with the highest frequency

Match each type of average with its description.

The spread of a data set can be measured using the {{ }}, by subtracting the lowest value from the highest value.

What is the mode for the data represented in the dot plot? The mode is {{ }}

What is the median for the data represented in the dot plot? The median is {{ }}

Find the mean for following numbers: 1, 4, 7, 8. The mean is {{ }}

Which set of numbers has the greatest range?

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