Question

For which of the following sets of data is a stem-and-leaf plot appropriate?

1) Continuous numerical data
2) Categorical data
3) Qualitative data
4) Ordinal data

Answer 1

A stem-and-leaf plot is suitable for organizing continuous numerical data and is not suited for categorical, qualitative, or ordinal data types. It visually represents the frequency and distribution of small datasets by separating each data point into a stem and a leaf.

Step-by-step explanation:

A stem-and-leaf plot is an effective tool for displaying and organizing continuous numerical data. It is not suitable for categorical, qualitative, or ordinal data types. This type of plot divides each data point into a stem, which is the leading digits of the number, and a leaf, which is the final significant digit. Stemplots are particularly advantageous when handling small datasets because they allow for each data value to be visualized while showing the distribution of the data.

For example, if you have a set of exam scores such as 78, 82, 89, 91, you would separate each score into stems and leaves. The stems would be '7', '8', and '9', and the leaves corresponding to these stems would be '8' for 78, '2' and '9' for 82 and 89, and '1' for 91, respectively. The plot would clearly show the frequency and distribution of the scores.