Understanding Mean Absolute Deviation

What is the primary purpose of calculating the mean absolute deviation (MAD) in a data set?

• To calculate the median of the data set

• To identify the highest and lowest values in the data set

• To determine the spread or variability of the data set

• To find the average value of the data set

In the example of Ralph and Sandra, what was the average practice time for both over five days?

• 40 minutes

• 35 minutes

• 30 minutes

• 25 minutes

Why is the mean not always a good representation of a data set?

• It is always equal to the median

• It does not account for the spread of the data

• It ignores the total number of data points

• It only considers the highest value

What does a dot plot help visualize in a data set?

• The total sum of all data points

• The frequency of each data point

• The spread and clustering of data points

• The highest and lowest data points

How do you calculate the deviation of a data point from the mean?

• Add the data point to the mean

• Divide the data point by the mean

• Subtract the mean from the data point

• Multiply the data point by the mean

What is the mean absolute deviation of Ralph's practice sessions?

• 16

• 14

• 12

• 10

Which formula component represents the mean in the calculation of MAD?

• Σ

• xᵢ

• x̄

• n

What is the mean absolute deviation of Sandra's practice sessions?

• 2

• 4

• 1

• 3

What does a lower mean absolute deviation indicate about a data set?

• Higher average

• More consistency

• Less consistency

• Greater variability

Comparing Ralph and Sandra's practice sessions, who showed more consistency?

• Neither showed consistency

• Ralph

• Sandra

• Both were equally consistent