The fact that the sum of the differences of scores from their mean is zero best illustrates that
A) the mean is at the center of a distribution.
B) the mean is the "balance point" of a distribution.
C) the mean is equal to zero.
D) the mean can never be negative.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the sum of the differences of scores from their mean is zero indicates that the mean is like a balance point that can be used to divide the distribution into two equal parts. Therefore, choice B, "the mean is the 'balance point' of a distribution," is the best answer. Choice A, "the mean is at the center of a distribution," is partially correct but doesn't fully capture the idea of balance that the question is trying to convey. Choice C, "the mean is equal to zero," is incorrect since the mean can be any number, positive or negative. And choice D, "the mean can never be negative," is also incorrect for the same reason as choice C.

The Fact That the Sum of the Differences of Scores