As a general rule, the ____ is the best measure of central tendency because it is more precise.

As a general rule, the ____ is the best measure of central tendency because it is more precise. (a) Mean

(b) Median

(c) Mode

(d) Range

✅ Correct option: (a) Mean

Explanation:

The mean is generally considered the best and most precise measure of central tendency because it uses all values in a dataset for its calculation. It is obtained by adding all the scores and dividing the sum by the total number of scores. Since every value contributes to the final result, the mean provides a complete and mathematically accurate representation of the data set. The mean is especially useful in normally distributed data, where it accurately represents the center of the distribution. It is widely used in statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and inferential statistics because it allows further mathematical operations such as variance, standard deviation, and z-scores. However, the mean can be influenced by extreme values (outliers), which is why in severely skewed data the median may be preferred. Despite this limitation, as a general rule, the mean remains the most precise and commonly used measure of central tendency in research and examinations like PPSC.

10 Related PPSC Facts:

Mean uses all observations. Mean is sensitive to extreme scores. Mean is required for SD calculation. Mean works best with normal distribution. Mean allows algebraic manipulation. Mean is commonly used in inferential stats. Mean equals median in normal curve. Mean is least useful in skewed data. Mean is called arithmetic average. Mean is preferred in scientific research.