answersLogoWhite

0

No. Standard deviation is not an absolute value.

The standard deviation is often written as a single positive value (magnitude), but it is really a binomial, and it equals both the positive and negative of the given magnitude.

For example, if you are told that for a population the SD is 5.0, it really means +5.0 and -5.0 from the population mean. It defines a region within the distribution, starting at the lower magnitude (-5.0) increasing to zero (the mean), and another region starting at zero (the mean) and increasing up to the upper magnitude (+5.0). Both regions together define the (continuous) region of standard deviation from the mean value.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

CoachCoach
Success isn't just about winning—it's about vision, patience, and playing the long game.
Chat with Coach
LaoLao
The path is yours to walk; I am only here to hold up a mirror.
Chat with Lao
RafaRafa
There's no fun in playing it safe. Why not try something a little unhinged?
Chat with Rafa

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Is standard deviation an absolute value?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp