The only time a z score can be negative is when
A) the raw score is higher than the mean
B) the raw score is lower than the mean
C) the standard deviation is negative
D) the standard deviation is equal to 0

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A z score represents the number of standard deviations a raw score is from the mean. If the raw score is lower than the mean, the corresponding z score will be negative. Therefore, option B is correct. Option A is incorrect because if the raw score is higher than the mean, the z score will be positive. Option C is incorrect because standard deviation cannot be negative. Option D is incorrect because if the standard deviation is equal to 0, then the z score cannot be calculated.

The Only Time a Z Score Can Be Negative Is