Median

Definition

The median is the value that separates a data set into two equal halves, with 50% of the values below it and 50% above it. It is a measure of central tendency used to understand the distribution of data.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The median is less affected by outliers than the mean, making it a robust measure of central tendency.
2. It is found by ordering the data from smallest to largest and then identifying the middle value.
3. If the number of observations in a data set is even, the median is calculated as the average of the two middle numbers.
4. The median can be used for both discrete and continuous data sets.
5. In skewed distributions, the median provides a better central location measurement than the mean.

Review Questions

• How do you calculate the median in an odd-numbered data set?
• Why might you choose to use the median over the mean when analyzing data?
• What steps are involved in finding the median for an even-numbered data set?

Related terms

Mean:

The arithmetic average of a set of values, calculated by dividing the sum of all values by their count.

Mode:

The value that appears most frequently in a data set.

Range:

The difference between the highest and lowest values in a data set.