Question

Two basketball players average the same number of points per game. What information would be most helpful in determining which player’s game performances show the least variability?

the most and least points each player has scored in a game


the number of games each player has played


the average number of points each player’s team scores per game


the total number of points each player has scored

Answer 1

The number of games each player has played

Explanation:

Generally to measure variability, we use the range, the variance, the standard deviation and inter quartile ranges.

Given is that the averages are same, this implies that the mean of the two data sets are same. Variability can also be measured by the total number of points each player has scored. It can also be determined by the average number of points each player’s team scores per game.

So, correct answer is option B: the number of games each player has played.