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The following table summarizes the relationship between central tendency, distribution shape, and levels of measurement -- with the preferred measures listed.
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Preferred Measure of Central Tendency when:
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?
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Positively of Negatively Skewed
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Symmetrical
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?
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?
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?
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?
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Nominal?
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Mode
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Nominal?
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Mode
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Ordinal?
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Mode or Median
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Ordinal?
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Mode or Median
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Interval-Ratio?
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Median
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Interval-Ratio?
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Mean
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Remember to consider both distribution shape and measurement level when choosing the appropriate measure of central tendency.
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