ED 200: STATISTICAL METHODS [Link] & M.C.

RIZADA

MODULE 3
Measures of
Measures of Central
1.1 Tendency of
Ungrouped Data
Central Tendency
OVERVIEW Measures of Central
1.2 Tendency of
In the previous module, we discussed Grouped Data
the importance of constructing frequency
distribution and graphical representations in
presenting a mass of statistical data. In this
module, we will now discuss descriptive
measures that will allow us to make more specific quantitative descriptions concerning a
set of data.

After presenting statistical data in either tabular or graphical form, one must
describe them in terms of a single number or index that represents the characteristics of
a given set of data. In statistical analysis, this measure is called measure of central
tendency or average. In layman’s term, average means the sum of the scores divided by
the number of scores. However, in the context of data analysis, average can be the mean,
the median, or the mode. Each of these three measures can serve as a single value to
represent a set of numerical data as a whole. As you go further in this module, you will

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Module 3 Measures of Central Tendency

LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding on the fundamental concepts of Measures of Central

Tendency and its application to education, science, art, engineering, and

architecture.
2. Show skills in the positive use of ICT such as Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS), Mega Stat, Microsoft Excel, and Smith’s Statistical Package
(SSP) in processing and solving statistical problems involving the Measures of
Central Tendency (Grouped and Ungrouped) to facilitate the teaching and learning
process.

DEFINITION

MEASURES OF CENTRAL TENDENCY

Measures of Central Tendency is a descriptive measures that

describes a set of statistical data by locating the middle region of the set.

One of the most basic statistical concepts involves finding measures of central
tendency of a set of numerical data. Measures of central tendency is one of the descriptive
measures which allow us to make more specific quantitative statements concerning a set
of data. It is often helpful to find numerical values that locate the “center” of data. It is also
known as “averages”. The common measures of central tendency are the mean, median,
and mode. Each of these can represent an average since each measures describes the
middle region of data.

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DEFINITION

MEAN

Mean is the most known average. It is found by determining the sum of

the data and dividing this sum by the total number of elements in the set.

Among the three measures of central tendency, mean is considered as the most
popular and most widely used. It is generally described as “the center of gravity” of a
distribution.

MEAN OF UNGROUPED DATA

The mean for ungrouped data is computed by simply adding all the values and
dividing the sum by the number of values.
The sample mean (𝑥̅ ) of observations x1, x2, x3,…., xn is given by:
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 + 𝑥2 + ⋯ . +𝑥𝑛
𝑥̅ =
𝑛

Miguel got the following grades in his five subjects during the first semester:
88, 90, 92, 96, and 84. Suppose Teacher Joan, his class adviser wants to
determine his average grade. Find the mean.
Given:
𝑥1 = 88; 𝑥2 = 90; 𝑥3 = 92; 𝑥4 = 96; 𝑥5 = 84 ;and n = 5

Unknown: mean ( ഥ𝑥 )

Formula:
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 + 𝑥2 + ⋯ . +𝑥𝑛
ഥ𝑥 =
𝑛
Solution:
88 + 90 + 92 + 96 + 84 450
ഥ𝑥 = = = 90
5 5

Therefore, the average grade of Miguel is 90.

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The average score of six students in a statistics test is 45. If five of the scores
are 44, 48, 42, 49, and 41, what is the missing score?
Given:
𝑥1 = 44; 𝑥2 = 48; 𝑥3 = 42; 𝑥4 = 49; 𝑥5 = 41 ; n = 6 ; ഥ𝑥 = 45

Unknown: 𝑥6

Formula:
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 + 𝑥2 + ⋯ . +𝑥𝑛
ഥ𝑥 =
𝑛
Solution:
44 + 48 + 42 + 49 + 41 + 𝑥6
45 =
6

270 = 224 + 𝑥6 → 𝑥6 = 46

Therefore, the missing score (6th score) is 46.

DEFINITION

MEDIAN

Median is the middlemost item or score or value in a distribution of

scores arranged in order of magnitude.

The median for a given set of data is found by arranging the data in sequential
order, either increasing or decreasing, and finding the middle datum. The median is the
measure of central tendency that gives the middle of a given set of data. It is also the
number, value, or score such that the number of data below the median is the same as
the number of data above the median.
For the data involving an odd number of scores, the median is simply the middle
value whereas in data involving even number of scores, there would be two middle values
and the median in this case is the average of these two middle values.

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MEDIAN OF UNGROUPED DATA

Essentially, the median is the middle number or the mean of the two middle
numbers in al list of numbers that have been arranged in numerical order. The median for
ungrouped data is obtained by first ordering the n observations from smallest to largest or
from largest to smallest, then finding the middle score. Any list of numbers that is arranged
in numerical order from smallest to largest or largest to smallest is a ranked list. The
position of the median is generally computed by the formula:

𝑛+1
median= ( ) th score
2

Suppose Teacher Veronica wishes to divide a class of 7 students into two

equal groups, the upper half (upper 50%) and the lower half (lower 50%)
according to their test scores in their reading comprehension test. The
following are the test scores of the 7 students: 89, 76, 93, 84, 92, 79, and 95.
Find the median.
Given:
89 76 93 84 92 79 95
Unknown: median

Formula:
𝑛+1
median= ( ) th score
2

Solution:
Arranging the scores in increasing order, we obtain
76 79 84 89 92 93 95
7+1
median= ( ) th score → 4th score
2

The median of the given set of data is located in the 4th score. Therefore, the
median of the distribution is 89. This implies that there are 3 students who
scored above 89 and 3 students who scored below 89. In this case, the median
is one of the scores in the distribution.

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Suppose Teacher Rebecca wishes to divide a class of 8 elementary students

into two equal groups, the upper half (upper 50%) and the lower half (lower
50%) according to their test scores in their achievement test in Araling
Panlipunan. The following are the test scores of the 8 students: 89, 76, 93, 84,
92, 79, 85, and 95. Find the median.
Given:
89 76 93 84 92 79 85 95
Unknown: median

Formula:
𝑛+1
median= ( ) th score
2

Solution:
Arranging the scores in increasing order, we obtain
76 79 84 85 89 92 93 95

8+1
median= ( ) th score → 4.5th score
2

This value indicates that there are two middle values in the distribution, the
scores 85(4th score) and 89 (5th score). In this case, the median is the average
of the two middle values:
85 + 89 174
= = 87
2 2
Therefore, the median of the distribution is 87. This implies that there are 4
students who scored above 87 and 4 students who scored below 87. In this
case, the median is not one of the scores in the distribution.

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DEFINITION

MODE

Mode is the most frequently occurring score or item or value in a

frequency distribution.

The third type of average is the mode. Usually, we focus our attention to the score
or value which occurs the most number of times. The mode of a list of numbers is the
number that occurs most frequently or the value which we have observe the highest
frequency.
A list of numerical data can have one mode or more than one mode. However,
some list of numbers do not have a mode.

MODE OF UNGROUPED DATA

For ungrouped data, the mode is obtained my mere inspection. As mentioned,
some list of numbers do not have a mode. It is possible for a set of values to have no
mode because each score appears only once. It is also possible for other set of values to
have more than one mode. This happens when two or more values have the same
frequency in the distribution. Those distribution with two modes are called as bimodal,
whereas those with many modes are called multimodal.

The scores of 8 students on a mathematics test are 8, 7, 6, 9, 7, 4, 5, and 10.

Find the mode.
Solution:
The mode for this distribution is 7 because it occurs twice whereas
each of the other scores occur only once.

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MEAN OF GROUPED DATA

The mean of a grouped data may be obtained in almost the same way as the mean
of ungrouped data is calculated. In this case, all the scores included in a class interval are
represented by the class mark of that class interval. This class mark is multiplied by its
corresponding frequency. Then, summed the product and divided by the number of
scores. This method constitutes the Midpoint Formula in solving for the mean of grouped
data.
∑ 𝑓 𝑋𝑚
Midpoint Formula: ഥ𝑥 =
𝑛

Where 𝑥̅ = mean
f = frequency of a score
n = number of scores
xm = class mark
fxm = product of a class mark and its frequency

The frequency distribution below shows the ages of the CTE faculty members.
Find the mean.
Table 3.4.a
Ages of the CTE Faculty Members
Scores Frequency
20 – 28 6
29 – 37 11
38 – 46 5
47 – 55 10
56 – 64 8
TOTAL 40

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Solution:
STEP 1: Determine the class mark of each class intervals
Ages of the CTE Faculty Members
Scores f xm
20 – 28 6 24
29 – 37 11 33
38 – 46 5 42
47 – 55 10 51
56 – 64 8 60
TOTAL 40

STEP 2: Multiply the class mark to its corresponding frequency. Get the sum.
Ages of the CTE Faculty Members
Scores f xm f xm
20 – 28 6 24 144
29 – 37 11 33 363
38 – 46 5 42 210
47 – 55 10 51 510
56 – 64 8 60 480
TOTAL 40 ∑ 𝑓 𝑋𝑚 = 1707

STEP 3: Substitute the desired values to the formula.

∑ 𝑓 𝑋𝑚
ഥ𝑥 =
𝑛
∑ 1707
ഥ𝑥 =
40
ഥ𝑥 = 42.675 or 43

Therefore, the mean age of the 40 CTE faculty members is 42.675 or

43 years old.

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MEDIAN OF GROUPED DATA

The median of the grouped data can be obtained by applying the following formula:
𝑛
− 𝑐𝑓𝑝
Median = 𝑋𝐿𝐵 + ( 2
)𝑖
𝑓𝑚

Where 𝑋𝐿𝐵 = lower boundary of the median class

𝑐𝑓𝑝 = cumulative frequency preceding the median class
𝑓𝑚 = frequency of the median class
𝑖 = class interval size
n = total number of scores

The initial step in the calculation of the median of grouped data to determine the
𝑛
class interval which contains the ( )th score by referring to the cf column of the cumulative
2
frequency distribution. This class interval to which the median belongs is called the median
class. Take note that the cumulative frequency of this class interval should be the smallest
𝑛
cumulative frequency value greater than( ).
2

The frequency distribution below shows the ages of the CTE faculty members.
Find the median.
Table 3.5.a
Ages of the CTE Faculty Members (Increasing Order)
Scores Frequency

20 – 28 6
29 – 37 11
38 – 46 5
47 – 55 10
56 – 64 8
TOTAL 40

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Solution:
STEP 1: Supply the less than cumulative frequency of each class intervals.
Ages of the CTE Faculty Members
Scores f < cf
20 – 28 6 6
29 – 37 11 17
38 – 46 5 22
47 – 55 10 32
56 – 64 8 40
TOTAL 40

STEP 2: Determine the location of the median class.

𝒏 𝟒𝟎
= = 20
𝟐 𝟐

The median class is the class interval 38 – 46 since the cumulative

frequency of this class interval is the smallest cumulative frequency (cf) value
greater than 20.
Ages of the CTE Faculty Members
Scores f < cf
20 – 28 6 6
29 – 37 11 17
38 – 46 5 22
47 – 55 10 32
56 – 64 8 40
TOTAL 40

STEP 3: Substitute the values to the formula.

Given: 𝑋𝐿𝐵 = 37.5; 𝑐𝑓𝑝 = 17; 𝑓𝑚 = 5; 𝑖=9

𝑛
− 𝑐𝑓𝑝
Formula: Median = 𝑋𝐿𝐵 + ( 2 )𝑖
𝑓𝑚

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Solution:
𝑛
− 𝑐𝑓𝑝
Formula: Median = 𝑋𝐿𝐵 + ( 2 )𝑖
𝑓𝑚

20 – 17 3
Median = 37.5 + ( ) 9 → 37.5 + ( ) 9
5 5
= 37.5 + 5.4
= 42.9

Therefore, the median age is 42.9. This score-point divides the

distribution into two equal parts. This implies that 50% of the CTE faculty
members aged below 42.9 years old and the other 50% aged above this value.

The frequency distribution below shows the ages of the CTE faculty members.
Find the median.
Table 3.5.b
Ages of the CTE Faculty Members (Decreasing Order)
Scores Frequency

56 – 64 8
47 – 55 10
38 – 46 5
29 – 37 11
20 – 28 6
TOTAL 40

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Solution:
STEP 1: Supply the less than cumulative frequency of each class intervals.
Ages of the CTE Faculty Members
Scores f < cf
56 – 64 8 40
47 – 55 10 32
38 – 46 5 22
29 – 37 11 17
20 – 28 6 6
TOTAL 40

STEP 2: Determine the location of the median class.

𝒏 𝟒𝟎
= = 20
𝟐 𝟐

The median class is the class interval 37 – 44 since the cumulative

frequency of this class interval is the smallest cumulative frequency (cf) value
greater than 20.
Ages of the CTE Faculty Members
Scores f < cf
56 – 64 8 40
47 – 55 10 32
38 – 46 5 22
29 – 37 11 17
20 – 28 6 6
TOTAL 40

STEP 3: Substitute the values to the formula.

Given: 𝑋𝐿𝐵 = 37.5; 𝑐𝑓𝑝 = 17; 𝑓𝑚 = 5; 𝑖=9

𝑛
− 𝑐𝑓𝑝
Formula: Median = 𝑋𝐿𝐵 + ( 2
)𝑖
𝑓𝑚

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Solution:
𝑛
− 𝑐𝑓𝑝
Formula: Median = 𝑋𝐿𝐵 + ( 2 )𝑖
𝑓𝑚

20 – 17 3
Median = 37.5 + ( ) 9 → 37.5 + ( ) 9
5 5
= 37.5 + 5.4
= 42.9

Therefore, the median age is 42.9. This score-point divides the

distribution into two equal parts. This implies that 50% of the CTE faculty
members aged below 42.9 years old and the other 50%of the CTE faculty
members aged above this value.

MODE OF GROUPED DATA

Statisticians often find the class mark or class midpoint of the modal class, the
class interval with the highest frequency, a satisfactory estimate of the most frequently
occurring score or value. However, in this section, the mode of the grouped data can be
obtained by applying the following formula:

𝑑1
Mode = 𝑋𝐿𝐵 + ( )𝑖
𝑑1 + 𝑑2

Where 𝑋𝐿𝐵 = lower boundary of the modal class

𝑑1 = difference between the frequency in the modal class and the
frequency in the preceding class interval.
𝑑2 = difference between the frequency in the modal class and the
frequency in the succeeding class interval.
𝑖 = class interval size

Take note that the initial step in calculating the mode of the grouped distribution is
to determine the location or position of the modal class. The class interval having the
highest number of frequency is considered as the modal class. It can be noted that using
the formula presented above, the resulting mode should be located within the identified
class interval of the modal class.

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The frequency distribution below shows the ages of the CTE faculty members.
Find the mode.
Table 3.6.a
Ages of the CTE Faculty Members
Scores Frequency

56 – 64 8
47 – 55 10
38 – 46 5
29 – 37 11
20 – 28 6
TOTAL 40

Solution:
STEP 1: Determine the modal class.
Since the highest frequency of 11 was in the class interval 29 – 37,
then this class interval will be the modal class.
Table 3.6.a
Ages of the CTE Faculty Members
Scores Frequency
56 – 64 8
47 – 55 10
38 – 46 5
29 – 37 11
20 – 28 6
TOTAL 40

STEP 2: Substitute the values to the formula.

Given:
𝑋𝐿𝐵 = 28.5; 𝑑1 = 11 – 6 = 5; 𝑑2 = 11 – 5 = 6 𝑖=9

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Solution:
𝑑1
Formula: Mode = 𝑋𝐿𝐵 + ( )9
𝑑1 + 𝑑2

5 5
Median = 28.5 + ( ) 9 → 28.5 + (11) 9
5+6
= 28.5 + 4.09
= 32.59

Therefore, the mode of the distribution is 32.59.

COMPARISON OF THE 3 INDICES OF CENTRAL TENDENCY

The following table shows the comparison of the different characteristics of the
three measures of central tendency. It can be noted that each of the measures of central
tendency is useful for representing a set of data. However, there are cases when one of
them is more applicable to be used than the others.

Central Tendency Characteristics

o It is sensitive to extreme scores
o It is considered as center of gravity of a
distribution
o Most frequently used measure of central
Mean
tendency
o Most stable measure of central tendency
o Appropriate when the distribution is normal or
symmetrical
o The point in a distribution above and below
which are 50% of the scores/cases
o Midpoint or score that divides the distribution
Median into two halves
o Appropriate when the distribution is skewed
or irregular
o Applicable for variables under interval scale
o Most frequent/common score in a
distribution
o Unreliable and unstable measure of central
tendency
o Used as a quick description in terms of
Mode
average or typical performance of the group
o Applicable when the data is nominal or
categorical
o It indicates roughly the center of
concentration of a distribution.

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I. Identify the most appropriate measures of central tendency (average) for each of
the following situations. Write your answer on the space provided.
______________ 1. The favorite flavor of milk tea of college students
______________ 2. The test scores in Elementary Statistics
______________ 3. The height of first year students in your college
______________ 4. The time it takes to finish answering a 50-item test
______________ 5. The t-shirt sizes of senior students in your college

II. State whether the mean, median, or mode is being used in the following
situations. Write your answer on the space provided.
1. Most of the residence living in a certain village
______________ watched Ang Probinsyano during night time.
2. The average annual return on an investment on a
______________ certain stock market is 6.5%.
3. The majority of a full-time graduating students carry a
______________ load of 28 units last semester.
4. There are 5 students who got a score of above 35 and
______________ there are also 5 students who got a score of below 35.
5. Majority of the freshmen students of the college
______________ education is Roman Catholic.

III. Answer the following problems completely.

1. Write a set of data with five values or scores for which the mean, median, and mode are
all 55.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

2. The median of the ranked list 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is 5. If the highest value, 7, is increased to 8,

what effect will this have on the median?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

3. The weights of the seven gemstones were recorded in ascending order as follows:
4,7,8,9,10,10,11. After calculating the mean, median and mode, an error is discovered:
one of the 10’s is really a 11. Determine which measures of central tendency will change.
Explain your answer.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

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Answer the following problems completely.

1. The following table shows the noise levels obtained among commercial establishments
in a certain barangay during different time intervals and days.
COMMERCIAL AREAS
TIME INTERVALS
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 AM - 4 AM 76 72 73 73 68 71 75
4 AM - 8 AM 76 79 75 82 75 76 75
8 AM - 12 NN 81 83 77 83 80 81 79
12 NN - 4 PM 82 80 80 80 78 82 83
4 PM - 8 PM 81 78 78 79 80 80 82
8 PM - 12 MN 80 76 85 78 76 77 77

Find the mean noise levels obtained during different time intervals and days. Interpret
the results and make a brief conclusion.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

2. After six biology test, Richard has a mean score of 78. What score does Richard need
on the next test in order to raise his average to 80?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

3. After four grammar tests, Jennifer has a mean score of 82. One more 100-point test is
to be given in this class. All of the test scores are equal number of items. Is it possible
for Jennifer to raise her average to 80? Explain your answer.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

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Answer the following questions completely.

The following admission test scores are obtained by a sample of 100 freshmen students
in a certain state university.

ADMISSION TEST SCORES (50-item test)

30 33 31 29 27
34 35 28 25 39
28 30 32 34 38
45 43 47 28 46
43 47 45 21 23
38 38 28 46 36
37 38 32 23 42
43 46 40 35 40
27 32 35 48 44
26 25 28 37 35
33 30 34 36 29
25 28 30 35 39
42 44 45 27 43
46 42 47 29 46
34 39 37 41 27
26 30 33 40 37
29 27 25 33 39
20 24 27 23 41
45 44 38 26 32
44 48 43 28 27

A. Construct a frequency distribution using a class size of 5 starting with 21 as

the lowest limit.
B. Calculate the mean, median, and mode of this distribution.
C. Interpret the results.

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