In the formula for calculating the standard deviation, the differences between each observation and the mean is squared. If we did not square these differences, the standard deviation would:
A) be too small to be of any usefulness
B) close to zero
C) not be normally distributed
D) not be interpreted by z values
E) statistically insignificant

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Squaring the differences ensures that all deviations, both positive and negative, are considered in the calculation of the standard deviation. If we did not square these differences, the negative deviations would cancel out the positive deviations, resulting in a smaller range and a standard deviation closer to zero.

In the Formula for Calculating the Standard Deviation, the Differences