Question

For which of the following graph(s) can the measures of central tendency always be found? (Check all that apply.)

a) Stem-and-leaf plot
b) Frequency table
c) Histogram
d) Line plot

Answer 1

Measures of central tendency can be found for all listed graphs: stem-and-leaf plots, frequency tables, histograms, and line plots; precision depends on data presentation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The measures of central tendency, which include the mean, median, and mode, can always be found from:

• a) Stem-and-leaf plot: Because a stem-and-leaf plot displays actual data points, it is possible to calculate all central tendency measures.
• b) Frequency table: With a frequency table, provided you have the values and their frequencies, you can calculate the central tendency measures.
• c) Histogram: While a histogram displays grouped data, if the original data points are known or intervals are equal, central tendency measures can be estimated.
• d) Line plot: A line plot, which is a graphical display of data along a number line with x's or dots above each data value, also allows for the calculation of central tendency measures.

However, it should be noted that the precision of these measures depends on the way the data is presented in the graph. For a histogram with unequal intervals or lack of information about actual data points, measures like the mean cannot be precisely calculated but can be estimated.