In a campaign debate over the level of prosperity in the state, the incumbent governor says: "average income is $53,000." His opponent responds "the average citizen earns only $38,000." Both statements are true. This is possible because________.
A) the governor is citing the median.
B) the opponent is using the mode.
C) the opponent is using the mean.
D) the governor is using the mean.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The governor is likely using the mean (average) income, which can be skewed higher by a small number of very high incomes, whereas the opponent's figure could represent the median, where half earn more and half earn less, providing a different perspective on the general population's earnings.

In a Campaign Debate Over the Level of Prosperity in the State