How to find mean in statistics Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

We do not have a pronunciation for this term, as it is a theoretical concept in statistics.

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A mathematical average in statistics, calculated by adding up all the values in a dataset and dividing by the number of values.

Examples

• In order to find the mean score of a test, add up all the individual scores and divide by the number of test-takers.
• The mean salary of the employees is $50,000 per year.

Synonyms

• Average
• Mean value

Antonyms

• Median
• Mode

Additional Information

The mean is a common measure of central tendency, but it can be sensitive to outlying values. In some cases, the median or mode may be a more suitable measure of central tendency. The mean is often used in combination with other statistical measures, such as the standard deviation, to gain a more complete understanding of a dataset.

The formula for calculating the mean is simple: add up all the values and divide by the number of values. For example, if you have the following dataset: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, the mean would be calculated as (1+2+3+4+5)/5, which equals 3.

The mean is an important concept in statistics, as it provides a way to summarize and describe the characteristics of a dataset. It is commonly used in a wide range of fields, including science, economics, and medicine.

Etymology

The term “mean” has its roots in ancient Greek, where it referred to the middle or center of something. In a statistical context, the term “mean” was first used in the 14th century to describe a way of averaging out a dataset.

Usage Notes

When using the term “mean”, it’s important to specify which type of mean you are referring to, such as the arithmetic mean or the geometric mean.

Cultural References

The term “mean” has been referenced in popular culture in shows such as “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation”, often in the context of humorous misunderstandings about statistical concepts.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Average Joe, Average Jane

Related Words or Phrases

• Average
• Median
• Mode
• Standard deviation

Collocations

• The mean of the dataset
• The average salary of the employees
• The arithmetic mean of the test scores

Frequency of Use

The term “mean” is commonly used in a wide range of fields, including science, economics, and medicine. It is estimated that the term “mean” is used hundreds of times per hour in academic and professional contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Mean
• Meen
• Mien