answersLogoWhite

0

When your data is symmetric and narrowly spread about it.

Each measure of central tendency has strengths and weaknesses. The mean takes every piece of numeric data and treats them all as equally weighted. Outliers will have equal weight with any other measure. In the long run, when you want to estimate a value that is least different from all values, use the mean. If you want your estimate to be closest to absolutely correct or to be absolutely correct most often, use the mode, and if you want your estimate to be as likely to be above the true value as below, use the median.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

ViviVivi
Your ride-or-die bestie who's seen you through every high and low.
Chat with Vivi
LaoLao
The path is yours to walk; I am only here to hold up a mirror.
Chat with Lao
FranFran
I've made my fair share of mistakes, and if I can help you avoid a few, I'd sure like to try.
Chat with Fran

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: When is using the mean as a measure of central tendency useful?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp