Question

Identify the two most commonly used measures of center for

quantitative data. Explain the relative advantages and disadvantages

of each.

Short answer

The two most commonly used measures of center for quantitative data is mean and median.

The median is not sensitive to extreme data while the mean is sensitive.

When the data set is qualitative, neither the mean nor the median is adequate to measure the center.

Step-by-step solution

Part a. Two most common measures of center

Mean and Median are two most commonly used measures of center for quantitative data.

Part b. Merits and Demerits of Mean and Median.

The median is not sensitive to extreme data while the mean is sensitive.

For extreme observation, the median is selected over the mean.

When the data is qualitative, it is impossible to add or divide the values.

When the data is qualitative, it is impossible to assign a numerical order to the data set. If data is qualitative, the median is not an acceptable metric.