Psychology in Modules
Psychology in Modules
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781464167522
Author: David G. Myers, C. Nathan DeWall
Publisher: Worth Publishers
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 4, Problem 19TYS
Summary Introduction

Introduction: Measures of central tendency contribute to summarizing data. These involve the mode, the median, and the mean that represent the middle of the data distribution. The mode is the value that occurs most commonly in distribution, the median is the middle value, and mean is the average value of the observations.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 19TYS

Correct answer: The mean is the measure of central tendency that is most easily distorted by few very large or very small scores. Therefore, option b. is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

The mean value is obtained by summing the scores and dividing it with the number of scores. It involves every score in the distribution; thus, any change in the score value would alter the value of mean. If the distribution contains some extreme scores (such as very small or very large values), the mean would be easily displaced. In this case, the mean would not provide the central value.

Hence,option b. is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect statement:

Option a. is given as “the mode”. The mode is the most commonly occurring score in the distribution. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option c. is given as “the median”. It is the middle value when data is distributed in ascending or descending order. It requires scores from smallest largest values. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option d. is given as “they are all equally vulnerable to distortion from atypical scores”. All three measures of central tendency are equally distributed if there is symmetrical distribution. The mean denotes the average value, so it is most commonly distorted with extreme variations in the scores. Hence, option d. is incorrect.

Hence, options a., c., and d. are incorrect.

Conclusion
The mean is most easily distorted by very large or very small scores.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
2) Describe Eysenk’s theory about the physiological basis of Extraversion and Introversion (chapter 6) and its implications for personality and behavior. Similarly, describe Petrie’s reducer-augmentor theory of pain tolerance and its implications for personality and behavior (chapter 12). Discuss the similarities and differences between these two approaches to personality (mention at least 2 similarities and 1 difference). Finally, speculate on the author’s justification for placing Petrie’s account in the chapter on Cognitive Topics on personality rather than in the chapter on Physiological Bases of Personality. Please provided all pertinent information.
1) Define the Nature Nurture debate as it relates to personality. What is the ‘clarification’ described in Chapter 6? Select one personality trait / behavioral tendency from Chapter 6 that has some genetic basis to it and report either the correlation between the trait for twins raised apart or the heritability statistic for that trait and describe trait related behaviors (see the section “Major Findings from Behavioral Genetic Research”). Discuss the social and political implications that would probably arise from viewing that trait as a) primarily genetically determined, b) primarily environmentally determined, or c) as determined by an interaction of genes and environment (in your response, briefly consider each set of implications). Please provide all pertinent information.
I need help finding 16 peer-view research articles on India  strong family traditions and rituals are handed down through the generations so we can understand how custom influences behavior
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology
ISBN:9781337408271
Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.
Publisher:Cengage Learning,
Text book image
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...
Psychology
ISBN:9781337565691
Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780393265156
Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...
Psychology
ISBN:9781285763880
Author:E. Bruce Goldstein
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)
Psychology
ISBN:9781305652958
Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz
Publisher:Cengage Learning