Median

Definition

The median is the middle value in a data set when the numbers are arranged in ascending or descending order. If there is an even number of observations, the median is the average of the two middle numbers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The median is less affected by outliers and skewed data compared to the mean.
2. To find the median in an odd-numbered data set, simply locate the middle number after sorting.
3. In an even-numbered data set, calculate the median by averaging the two central numbers after sorting.
4. The median can be used for both ordinal and interval/ratio level data.
5. In a symmetric distribution, the mean and median are equal.

Review Questions

• How do you find the median in a data set with an odd number of observations?
• Why might one choose to use the median instead of the mean?
• What steps must be taken to determine the median in an even-numbered data set?

Related terms

Mean:

The arithmetic average of a set of numbers.

Mode:

The value that appears most frequently in a data set.

Quartiles:

Values that divide a data set into four equal parts.