Median

Published Oct 25, 2023

Definition of Median

The median is a statistical measure that represents the middle value in a set of data when the data is arranged in ascending or descending order. It is different from the mean, which is the average value of the data. The median is a useful measure when there are outliers or extreme values in the dataset that could significantly affect the mean.

Example

To better understand the concept of the median, let’s consider a set of numbers: 2, 4, 6, 10, 12. When arranged in ascending order, the numbers become 2, 4, 6, 10, 12. The middle value in this set is 6, which is the median. Notice that the median is not affected by the extreme values of 2 and 12.

Now, let’s consider another set of numbers with an outlier: 2, 4, 6, 10, 100. When arranged in ascending order, the numbers become 2, 4, 6, 10, 100. In this case, the median is still 6, even though there is a significant outlier of 100. The median provides a more robust measure of central tendency compared to the mean.

Why Median Matters

The median is an important statistical measure that helps to understand the distribution and central tendency of a dataset. It is often used in research, data analysis, and decision-making processes. Unlike the mean, the median is not influenced by extreme values and provides a more accurate representation of the typical value in the dataset. This ensures that data analysis and decision-making are not heavily influenced by outliers, providing a more balanced perspective.