As a measure of variability, compared to the range, an advantage of the standard deviation is:
A)being calculated easily through the use of a formula.
B)considering only the data values in the middle of the data array.
C)describing the distance between the highest and lowest values.
D)considering all data values.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The standard deviation considers all the data values, which makes it more representative and objective measure of variability. In contrast, the range only considers the highest and lowest values, which can be misleading if there are outliers or extreme values in the data set. Choice A is incorrect because calculating the standard deviation requires more complex computations than a simple formula. Choice B is incorrect because the standard deviation considers all data values, not just those in the middle. Choice C is incorrect because the standard deviation is a measure of the spread or dispersion of the data around the mean, not the distance between the highest and lowest values.

As a Measure of Variability, Compared to the Range, an Advantage