Re: Whale steak

On Sun, 23 Jul 2006 21:57:34 +1200, in sci.archaeology, Eric Stevens
wrote:

On 22 Jul 2006 18:03:23 -0700, "Tom McDonald" <kiltmac@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:


Eric Stevens wrote:
On 22 Jul 2006 15:02:42 -0700, "Tom McDonald" <kiltmac@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

<snip>

However, as those of us who have taken statistical mathematicum know,
'average' is not a precise term without knowing whether the 'average'
intended is mean, mode or median. Inger did not so specify.

I've always understood average=mean with mode and median being
something different.

Will you explain that to me? I've only had some stats courses, and
can't figure my way out of anything more complex than relatively simple
stats. As Tedd noted, these measures of central tendency are
collectively called 'average' in our experience.

I have to imagine you use stats on a very regular basis, so I'd really
like to know your thoughts on this.

Tom,

I've never liked statistics. However I have studied in in courses
aimed at pure mathematics, engineering mathematics and psychology. I
have never ever known 'average' to mean anything other than the
arithmetic mean. Mode and median are something quite different except
in special cases when they also correspond with the arithmetic mean.


And Inger used medium to mean what? Let's not get completely sidetracked.
A suggested bit of homework for Key Stage 3 pupils (age 12-14):
"Pupils produce a poster explaining when they should use each of the
measures of average and explaining how to find the mean, mode and median."

Doug
--
Doug Weller --
A Director and Moderator of The Hall of Ma'at http://www.hallofmaat.com
Doug's Archaeology Site: http://www.ramtops.co.uk
Amun - co-owner/co-moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amun/

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Whale steak
    ... Mean = Average is the same as the Midway position, ... that would be the median value. ... extrems outside the 'normal' and so on. ... Nice dodge there, Inger. ...
    (sci.archaeology)
  • Re: Whale steak
    ... "Eric Stevens" wrote... ... intended is mean, mode or median. ... Inger did not so specify. ... tendency to someone who was there when statistics were invented: ...
    (sci.archaeology)
  • Re: Whale steak
    ... However, as those of us who have taken statistical mathematicum know, ... 'average' is not a precise term without knowing whether the 'average' ... intended is mean, mode or median. ... Inger did not so specify. ...
    (sci.archaeology)
  • Re: Whale steak
    ... "Eric Stevens" wrote... ... 'average' is not a precise term without knowing whether the 'average' ... intended is mean, mode or median. ... Inger did not so specify. ...
    (sci.archaeology)
  • Re: Whale steak
    ... "Eric Stevens" wrote... ... intended is mean, mode or median. ... Inger did not so specify. ... tendency to someone who was there when statistics were invented: ...
    (sci.archaeology)