Logan accessed an existing database to answer his research question regarding the role of identification of a learning disability and odds of going to a private school. The variables of interest include category of disability, type of school, achievement scores in the first, third, and sixth grade, parents SES. Logan will report a measure of variability for each of the achievement scores. Which will he most likely report?
A) Mean
B) Range
C) Standard Deviation
D) Median

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The measure of variability that would best suit Logan's purpose is the standard deviation. The mean would give a measure of central tendency, but not variability. The range would give a measure of the spread of scores, but not a standardized measure of variability. The median would give a measure of central tendency, but not variability. The standard deviation, on the other hand, can provide information about the spread of scores from the mean, which can be useful in determining differences between groups or in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.

Logan Accessed an Existing Database to Answer His Research Question