The standard deviation would be an appropriate measure of variability only if the variable is measured on a(n)_____ scale.
A) nominal
B) ordinal
C) interval
D) ratio

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The standard deviation is a measure of dispersion that quantifies how much the data deviates from the mean. This measure is only appropriate for variables measured on an interval or ratio scale because these scales have equal intervals between their values, allowing for meaningful numerical comparisons of the data. Nominal and ordinal scales do not have equal intervals, thus making the standard deviation inappropriate for measuring variability in these types of variables.

The Standard Deviation Would Be an Appropriate Measure of Variability