Question

What implications can you draw based on the coefficient of variation from these two data sets?

Summary statistics for WEIGHT and HEIGHT (both ratio variables) of American adults in different units:

Weight Height

Mean 160 pounds 66 inches

SD 30 pounds 4 inches

You cannot compare these two data sets using a coefficient of variation because they are in different units

A. That both sets of data are equally variable.

B. That the weight data is more variable than the height data.

C. That the height data is more variable than the weight data.

Answer 1

B. That the weight data is more variable than the height data.

Explanation:

Given that :

_________ Weight _____ Height

Mean ___ 160 pounds ___ 66 inches

SD _____ 30 pounds ____ 4 inches

The Coefficient of variation is the ratio of the standard deviation and mean of a particular variable.

Weight in pounds :

Standard deviation in pounds / mean in pounds

30 / 160 = 0.1875

Height in inches :

Standard deviation in inches / mean in inches

4 / 66 = 0.060

0.1875 > 0.060

Hence, weight data is more variable than height data.