Reading Boxplots

Front

What is a boxplot?

Back

A boxplot is a graphical representation of a dataset that displays the distribution, central tendency, and variability through five summary statistics: minimum, first quartile (Q1), median (Q2), third quartile (Q3), and maximum.

Front

What does the median represent in a boxplot?

Back

The median is the middle value of a dataset when it is ordered from least to greatest. In a boxplot, it is represented by a line inside the box.

Front

What are quartiles in a boxplot?

Back

Quartiles are values that divide a dataset into four equal parts. The first quartile (Q1) is the median of the lower half, the second quartile (Q2) is the median, and the third quartile (Q3) is the median of the upper half.

Front

How do you find the upper quartile (Q3)?

Back

To find Q3, order the data set from least to greatest, then find the median of the upper half of the data.

Front

What does the interquartile range (IQR) represent?

Back

The interquartile range (IQR) is the difference between the upper quartile (Q3) and the lower quartile (Q1). It measures the spread of the middle 50% of the data.

Front

What is the purpose of a boxplot?

Back

A boxplot is used to visually summarize the distribution of a dataset, identify outliers, and compare different datasets.

Front

What does the whisker in a boxplot indicate?

Back

The whiskers in a boxplot extend from the quartiles to the minimum and maximum values, showing the range of the data excluding outliers.

Front

How can you identify outliers in a boxplot?

Back

Outliers in a boxplot are typically represented as individual points that fall outside the whiskers, which are calculated as 1.5 times the IQR above Q3 and below Q1.

Front

What is the lowest value in a dataset?

Back

The lowest value is the minimum value in the dataset, represented by the left end of the whisker in a boxplot.

Front

What is the highest value in a dataset?

Back

The highest value is the maximum value in the dataset, represented by the right end of the whisker in a boxplot.