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Recall the steps for finding the median of a dataset and write a brief explanation describing how the process changes depending on whether the number of scores is odd or even. Use the set of seven scores (, , , , , , ) and the addition of an eighth score of to illustrate the rules.
Question: Recall the steps for finding the median of a dataset and write a brief explanation describing how the process changes depending on whether the number of scores is odd or even. Use the set of seven scores (, , , , , , ) and the addition of an eighth score of to illustrate the rules.
Sample answer: To calculate the median, you must first arrange the scores in order from lowest to highest. For a dataset with an odd number of scores, such as (, , , , , , ), the median is simply the single middle score, which is . For a dataset with an even number of scores, such as when is added to make (, , , , , , , ), there are two middle scores ( and ). In this case, the median is calculated by finding the value halfway between them, which is .
Key points:
- Rearrange the dataset from lowest to highest.
- Locate the single middle value for an odd number of scores (value ).
- Identify the two middle values for an even number of scores (values and ).
- Calculate the median for an even set by finding the value halfway between the two middle values (value ).
Rubric: To receive full credit, the student must: 1. State the initial step of ordering scores from lowest to highest. 2. Explain that for an odd number of scores, the median is the exact middle score, referencing the value . 3. Explain that for an even number of scores, the median is the value halfway between the two middle scores, referencing the values and and the resulting median of .
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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