Question

When data is at the categorical level of measurement, which measure of central tendency should be used to summarize the data

A.) both the mean and median are appropriate

B.) neither the mean or median are appropriate

C.) mean

D.) median

Answer 1

Solution:

The mode is most useful when used with categorical (nominal, or ordinal) variables and when there is a relatively small sample size. The mode can be used with categorical variables because it does not require the data to be in a meaningful order.

If the data is at the categorical level of measurement then the mode should be the best measure of central tendency to summarize the data.

The median of the data cannot be used for nominal data because the categories don’t have a particular appropriate order.

The mean is useful for quantitative data. mean is more affected by outliers.

Therefore, Option B is correct. neither the mean or median is appropriate