The distribution of weights of men in the American population is not symmetrical. Most weights are bunched together at the lower end of the distribution. As weights increase, there are fewer and fewer men with these weights. How would you describe the relationship between the mean, the median, and the mode in this distribution? (Hint: Drawing a picture of the distribution may be helpful.)
a. mode < median < mean
b. mean < median < mode
c. mean = median = mode
d. median < mode < mean
Question 2The mean is used most often in behavioral research because researchers tend to
a. measure variables that have interval or ratio scores, and the scores form approximately normal distributions.
b. conduct research in which the mathematical center of a distribution is required.
c. conduct research in which only the most frequently occurring score is needed.
d. measure variables that have interval or ratio scores, and the scores usually do not form a normal distribution.
Question 3The mean is an inappropriate measure of central tendency when the distribution is severely skewed because
a. it is not the mathematical center of a skewed distribution.
b. only 50 of the scores in a skewed distribution are near it.
c. it does not accurately describe a skewed distribution.
d. only the mode describes a skewed distribution.
Question 4In a skewed distribution, the mathematical center is
a. the median, which is the point around which most of the scores tend to be located.
b. the mode, which is the point around which most of the scores tend to be located.
c. the mean, which is not the point around which most of the scores tend to be located.
d. impossible to determine.
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