Central Tendency – Notes

Section 1: Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median, Mode) / 集中趨勢的量度(平均數、中位數、眾數)

Example 1.1: Ungrouped Data / 不分組數據

  • Question / 題目:
  • Five students scored 45, 60, 60, 75, and 90 in a quiz; calculate the mean, median, and mode of their scores.
  • 五名學生在一項測驗中分別取得 45、60、60、75 及 90 分;計算他們分數的平均數、中位數和眾數。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The mean is calculated by summing all scores and dividing by 5, which equals (45+60+60+75+90)/5=66(45+60+60+75+90)/5=66 marks.
  • 平均數是把所有分數相加後除以 5,計算得出 (45+60+60+75+90)/5=66(45+60+60+75+90)/5=66 分。
  • The median is the 3rd score when ordered, which is 60 marks.
  • 按次序排列後,中位數是第 3 個數據,即 60 分。
  • The mode is 60 marks because it occurs most frequently.
  • 眾數是 60 分,因為它出現的次數最多。

Example 1.2: Grouped Data / 分組數據

  • Question / 題目:
  • The table shows the daily study hours of 20 students: 1–3 hours (class mark 2) has 5 students, 4–6 hours (class mark 5) has 11 students, and 7–9 hours (class mark 8) has 4 students; determine the mean study hours and the modal class.
  • 下表顯示 20 名學生的每日學習時數:1–3 小時(組中點 2)有 5 人,4–6 小時(組中點 5)有 11 人,7–9 小時(組中點 8)有 4 人;求平均學習時數及眾數組。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The mean is calculated as [(2×5)+(5×11)+(8×4)]/20=97/20=4.85[(2×5)+(5×11)+(8×4)]/20=97/20=4.85 hours.
  • 平均數的計算方式為 [(2×5)+(5×11)+(8×4)]/20=97/20=4.85[(2×5)+(5×11)+(8×4)]/20=97/20=4.85 小時。
  • The modal class is 4–6 hours because it has the highest frequency of 11.
  • 眾數組為 4–6 小時,因為其頻數最高,達 11 人。

Section 2: Effect of Extreme Values (Outliers) / 極端值(離群值)的影響

Example 2.1: Impact on Mean vs. Median / 對平均數與中位數的影響

  • Question / 題目:
  • A group of workers have monthly salaries of $15,000, $16,000, $17,000, $18,000, and $120,000; explain how the extreme value affects the mean and why the median is a better measure.
  • 一組工人的月薪分別為 $15,000、$16,000、$17,000、$18,000 及 $120,000;解釋極端值如何影響平均數,以及為何中位數是更佳的量度。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The mean salary is pulled up significantly to $37,200 due to the outlier of $120,000.
  • 由於存在 $120,000 的離群值,平均薪酬被大幅拉高至 $37,200。
  • The median is $17,000, which is not distorted by the outlier and better represents a typical worker’s salary.
  • 中位數為 $17,000,不會受離群值扭曲,更能代表一般工人的薪酬水平。

Example 2.2: Trimming Outliers / 移除離群值

  • Question / 題目:
  • The scores of 6 participants in a speed test are 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 80 seconds; find the new mean if the outlier is removed.
  • 6 名參加者在速度測試中的成績分別為 12、13、14、15、16 及 80 秒;若剔除離群值,求新的平均數。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The original mean is (12+13+14+15+16+80)/6=25(12+13+14+15+16+80)/6=25 seconds, heavily distorted by the outlier 80.
  • 原本的平均數為 (12+13+14+15+16+80)/6=25(12+13+14+15+16+80)/6=25 秒,受到離群值 80 的嚴重扭曲。
  • Removing the outlier 80 yields a new mean of (12+13+14+15+16)/5=14(12+13+14+15+16)/5=14 seconds.
  • 剔除離群值 80 後,新的平均數為 (12+13+14+15+16)/5=14(12+13+14+15+16)/5=14 秒。

Section 3: Effect of Adding a Common Constant on Central Tendency / 數據全體加上常數對集中趨勢的影響

Example 3.1: Uniform Mark Adjustment / 全體加分調整

  • Question / 題目:
  • A class test had a mean of 52, a median of 50, and a mode of 48; if the teacher adds 5 bonus marks to every student, find the new mean, median, and mode.
  • 某次測驗的平均數為 52 分,中位數為 50 分,眾數為 48 分;若老師為每位學生額外增加 5 分,求新的平均數、中位數和眾數。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • When a constant k=5k=5 is added to all data, each central tendency measure increases by 5.
  • 當所有數據都加上常數 k=5k=5 時,每項集中趨勢量度都會增加 5。
  • Therefore, the new mean is 52+5=5752+5=57, the new median is 50+5=5550+5=55, and the new mode is 48+5=5348+5=53.
  • 因此,新的平均數為 52+5=5752+5=57 分,新的中位數為 50+5=5550+5=55 分,新的眾數為 48+5=5348+5=53 分。

Example 3.2: Reversing a Shift / 反求原始量度

  • Question / 題目:
  • After adding 10 minutes of reading time to all students’ recorded daily times, the new median is 45 minutes; what was the original median?
  • 每位學生記錄的每日閱讀時間均增加 10 分鐘後,新的中位數變為 45 分鐘;原本的中位數是多少?
  • Solution / 題解:
  • Since adding a constant kk increases the median by kk, the original median is found by subtracting kk.
  • 由於加上常數 kk 會使中位數增加 kk,原本的中位數可透過減去 kk 求得。
  • The original median was 45−10=3545−10=35 minutes.
  • 原本的中位數為 45−10=3545−10=35 分鐘。

Section 4: Effect of Inserting a Datum “ZERO” on Central Tendency / 加入數值「零」對集中趨勢的影響

Example 4.1: Effect on the Mean / 對平均數的影響

  • Question / 題目:
  • Four students completed 8, 10, 12, and 14 homework exercises; calculate the change in the mean if a fifth student who completed 0 exercises is included.
  • 四名學生分別完成了 8、10、12 及 14 份功課練習;若加入第五名完成 0 份功課的學生,計算其平均數的變化。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The original mean of the four students is (8+10+12+14)/4=11(8+10+12+14)/4=11 exercises.
  • 原本四名學生的平均數為 (8+10+12+14)/4=11(8+10+12+14)/4=11 份練習。
  • With the zero added, the new mean becomes (0+8+10+12+14)/5=8.8(0+8+10+12+14)/5=8.8 exercises, showing a clear decrease.
  • 加入零之後,新的平均數變為 (0+8+10+12+14)/5=8.8(0+8+10+12+14)/5=8.8 份練習,顯示平均數明顯下降。

Example 4.2: Effect on the Median / 對中位數的影響

  • Question / 題目:
  • Given the ordered data set {4,6,8,10}{4,6,8,10}, find the median before and after inserting a value of 0.
  • 給定已排序的數據組 {4,6,8,10}{4,6,8,10},求加入數值 0 之前及之後的中位數。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The original median of the 4 values is (6+8)/2=7(6+8)/2=7.
  • 原本 4 個數值的中位數為 (6+8)/2=7(6+8)/2=7。
  • After inserting 0, the new ordered set is {0,4,6,8,10}{0,4,6,8,10} with 5 values, so the new median becomes the 3rd datum, which is 6.
  • 加入 0 後,新的有序數據組為包含 5 個數值的 {0,4,6,8,10}{0,4,6,8,10},因此新的中位數變為第 3 個數據,即 6。

Section 5: Sources of Deception in Misuse of Means / 誤用平均數的做假根源

Example 5.1: Selective Sampling Bias / 蓄意抽樣偏差

  • Question / 題目:
  • A tutoring centre claims that its students achieve an average score of 95 marks, but the survey was conducted solely on the top 10 scholarship winners; identify the source of deception.
  • 一家補習社聲稱其學生的平均分為 95 分,但該調查僅以獲得獎學金的 10 名頂尖學生為樣本;指出其中的做假根源。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • This is an example of deliberately sampling only a specific part of the population that benefited from the centre.
  • 這是屬於蓄意只抽取受惠於該中心特徵的特定母體為樣本的例子。
  • The reported mean is biased and cannot represent the performance of all general students.
  • 所公佈的平均數存有偏差,無法代表全體一般學生的真實表現。

Example 5.2: Hiding Distribution Characteristics / 隱藏分佈特徵與離群值

  • Question / 題目:
  • A company boasts that its average staff bonus is $50,000, while most employees only received $5,000 and the top executive received $500,000; explain the flaw in this report.
  • 一家公司吹噓其員工的平均花紅為 $50,000,但絕大多數員工只拿到 $5,000,而最高管理層一人獨得 $500,000;解釋該報告的漏洞。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The report only quotes the arithmetic mean without revealing extreme values or multi-modal patterns.
  • 該報告僅引用算術平均數,而沒有揭示極端值或多峰分佈的真實情況。
  • A few massive outliers heavily inflate the mean, giving a false impression of what typical employees receive.
  • 少數龐大的離群值大幅拉高了平均數,給人對一般員工實質所得的虛假印象。

Section 6: Measures of Dispersion (Range, IQR, Q.D.) / 離差的量度(分佈域、四分位數間距、四分位差)

Example 6.1: Ungrouped Range, IQR, and Q.D. / 不分組數據的分佈域、四分位數間距及四分位差

  • Question / 題目:
  • For the ordered data set {10,14,18,22,26,30,34}{10,14,18,22,26,30,34}, find the range, inter-quartile range (IQR), and quartile deviation (Q.D.).
  • 對於已排序的數據組 {10,14,18,22,26,30,34}{10,14,18,22,26,30,34},求分佈域、四分位數間距(IQR)及四分位差(Q.D.)。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The range is the maximum value minus the minimum value: 34−10=2434−10=24.
  • 分佈域為最大值減去最小值:34−10=2434−10=24。
  • For n=7n=7, the lower quartile Q1Q1​ is the 2nd datum (14) and the upper quartile Q3Q3​ is the 6th datum (30).
  • 當 n=7n=7 時,第一四分位數 Q1Q1​ 為第 2 個數據(14),第三四分位數 Q3Q3​ 為第 6 個數據(30)。
  • The IQR is Q3−Q1=30−14=16Q3​−Q1​=30−14=16, and the Q.D. is (Q3−Q1)/2=16/2=8(Q3​−Q1​)/2=16/2=8.
  • 四分位數間距為 Q3−Q1=30−14=16Q3​−Q1​=30−14=16,而四分位差為 (Q3−Q1)/2=16/2=8(Q3​−Q1​)/2=16/2=8。

Example 6.2: Grouped Data Boundaries / 分組數據的分佈域計算

  • Question / 題目:
  • A grouped frequency table has classes 10–19, 20–29, and 30–39; determine the range of this grouped data.
  • 某分組頻數表的組別為 10–19、20–29 及 30–39;求該組分組數據的分佈域。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The lowest class boundary is 9.5 and the highest class boundary is 39.5.
  • 最低組界為 9.5,而最高組界為 39.5。
  • The range is calculated as highest boundary minus lowest boundary: 39.5−9.5=3039.5−9.5=30.
  • 分佈域的計算方式為最高組界減去最低組界:39.5−9.5=3039.5−9.5=30。

Section 7: Box-and-Whisker Diagram & Skewness / 箱形圖與偏態

Example 7.1: Reading a Five-Number Summary / 讀取五數綜合摘要

  • Question / 題目:
  • A box plot shows a minimum of 15, Q1=25Q1​=25, median Q2=40Q2​=40, Q3=55Q3​=55, and a maximum of 70; find the range and IQR.
  • 一個箱形圖顯示最小值為 15、Q1=25Q1​=25、中位數 Q2=40Q2​=40、Q3=55Q3​=55 以及最大值為 70;求其分佈域和四分位數間距。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The range is the length between the two whiskers: Max−Min=70−15=55Max−Min=70−15=55.
  • 分佈域為兩條鬚狀線之間的距離:最大值−最小值=70−15=55最大值−最小值=70−15=55。
  • The inter-quartile range is the width of the central box: Q3−Q1=55−25=30Q3​−Q1​=55−25=30.
  • 四分位數間距為中間方箱的寬度:Q3−Q1=55−25=30Q3​−Q1​=55−25=30。

Example 7.2: Identifying Skewness / 判斷分佈的偏態

  • Question / 題目:
  • In a box plot, the left whisker spans from 10 to 30 (length 20) while the right whisker spans from 50 to 90 (length 40); determine whether the distribution is positively or negatively skewed.
  • 在一個箱形圖中,左鬚由 10 延伸至 30(長度為 20),而右鬚由 50 延伸至 90(長度為 40);判斷該分佈屬於正偏態還是負偏態。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The right whisker is longer than the left whisker, indicating more large extreme values on the high end.
  • 由於右邊的鬚狀線比左邊長,表示高數值端存在較多較大的極端值。
  • Therefore, this data distribution is positively skewed.
  • 因此,此數據分佈呈現正偏態。

Section 8: Standard Deviation and Variance / 標準差與方差

Example 8.1: Calculating Ungrouped Variance and Standard Deviation / 計算不分組數據的方差與標準差

  • Question / 題目:
  • Given the data set {2,4,6,8}{2,4,6,8}, compute the variance σ2σ2 and the standard deviation σσ.
  • 給定數據組 {2,4,6,8}{2,4,6,8},計算其方差 σ2σ2 及標準差 σσ。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • The mean of the data is xˉ=(2+4+6+8)/4=5xˉ=(2+4+6+8)/4=5.
  • 數據的平均數為 xˉ=(2+4+6+8)/4=5xˉ=(2+4+6+8)/4=5。
  • The variance is σ2=[(2−5)2+(4−5)2+(6−5)2+(8−5)2]/4=(9+1+1+9)/4=5σ2=[(2−5)2+(4−5)2+(6−5)2+(8−5)2]/4=(9+1+1+9)/4=5.
  • 方差為 σ2=[(2−5)2+(4−5)2+(6−5)2+(8−5)2]/4=(9+1+1+9)/4=5σ2=[(2−5)2+(4−5)2+(6−5)2+(8−5)2]/4=(9+1+1+9)/4=5。
  • The standard deviation is the square root of the variance: σ=5≈2.24σ=5​≈2.24.
  • 標準差為方差的平方根:σ=5≈2.24σ=5​≈2.24。

Example 8.2: Interpreting Consistency / 比較數據的穩定性

  • Question / 題目:
  • Machine X produces parts with a mean length of 50 mm and standard deviation of 0.8 mm, while Machine Y produces parts with a mean length of 50 mm and standard deviation of 3.2 mm; compare their consistency.
  • 機器 X 生產零件的平均長度為 50 毫米、標準差為 0.8 毫米;而機器 Y 生產零件的平均長度同為 50 毫米、標準差為 3.2 毫米;比較兩台機器的穩定性。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • Although both machines have identical mean dimensions, Machine X has a substantially smaller standard deviation.
  • 雖然兩台機器的平均尺寸完全相同,但機器 X 的標準差明顯小得多。
  • This implies that Machine X produces parts with far greater consistency and less variation than Machine Y.
  • 這表示機器 X 所生產零件的穩定性遠高於機器 Y,波動幅度亦較小。

Section 9: Effect of Adding a Common Constant on Dispersion / 數據全體加上常數對離差的影響

Example 9.1: Unchanged Standard Deviation / 標準差保持不變

  • Question / 題目:
  • A set of weights has a standard deviation of 4.5 kg; if each object is placed inside a 1 kg container, what is the new standard deviation?
  • 一組物體的重量標準差為 4.5 公斤;若將每個物體放入一個重 1 公斤的容器中,新的標準差是多少?
  • Solution / 題解:
  • Adding a common constant k=1k=1 shifts every datum by the same amount without changing the distance between them.
  • 全體加上常數 k=1k=1 會將所有數據平移相同的數值,但數值之間的相對間距維持不變。
  • Therefore, the standard deviation remains unchanged at 4.5 kg.
  • 因此,標準差保持不變,仍然是 4.5 公斤。

Example 9.2: Impact on Range and IQR / 對分佈域和四分位數間距的影響

  • Question / 題目:
  • A test originally has a range of 40 marks and an IQR of 18 marks; what will be the new range and IQR if every student is awarded 10 extra marks?
  • 某測驗原來的分佈域為 40 分,四分位數間距為 18 分;若每位學生獲加 10 分,新的分佈域和四分位數間距各是多少?
  • Solution / 題解:
  • Measures of dispersion describe the spread of the data and are unaffected by adding a constant.
  • 離差的量度是用以描述數據的分散程度,不受全體加上常數所影響。
  • The new range remains 40 marks and the new IQR remains 18 marks.
  • 新的分佈域維持在 40 分,新的四分位數間距亦維持在 18 分。

Section 10: Effect of Multiplying a Common Constant on Dispersion / 數據全體乘以常數對離差的影響

Example 10.1: Scaling Standard Deviation and Variance / 放大標準差與方差

  • Question / 題目:
  • A data set has a standard deviation σ=6σ=6 and a variance σ2=36σ2=36; if every value is multiplied by 3, find the new standard deviation and variance.
  • 某數據組的標準差 σ=6σ=6,方差 σ2=36σ2=36;若將每個數值均乘以 3,求新的標準差和方差。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • Multiplying each value by k=3k=3 scales the standard deviation by kk, so the new standard deviation is 6×3=186×3=18.
  • 當每個數值乘以 k=3k=3 時,標準差會擴大 kk 倍,因此新的標準差為 6×3=186×3=18。
  • The variance scales by k2k2, resulting in a new variance of 36×32=32436×32=324 (or 182=324182=324).
  • 方差則會擴大 k2k2 倍,得出新的方差為 36×32=32436×32=324(亦即 182=324182=324)。

Example 10.2: Unit Conversion / 單位換算對離差的影響

  • Question / 題目:
  • The lengths of steel rods measured in meters have a range of 1.5 m and an IQR of 0.4 m; determine the new range and IQR if all measurements are converted to centimeters (×100×100).
  • 以米為單位量度的一組鋼筋長度,其分佈域為 1.5 米,四分位數間距為 0.4 米;若將所有測量值換算為厘米(×100×100),求新的分佈域和四分位數間距。
  • Solution / 題解:
  • Multiplying each datum by 100 scales linear measures of dispersion by a factor of 100.
  • 將每個數據乘以 100,會使所有線性的離差量度同等放大 100 倍。
  • The new range is 1.5×100=150 cm1.5×100=150 cm, and the new IQR is 0.4×100=40 cm0.4×100=40 cm.
  • 新的分佈域為 1.5×100=150 厘米1.5×100=150 厘米,新的四分位數間距為 0.4×100=40 厘米0.4×100=40 厘米。

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