Range (statistics)

Range (statistics)

In descriptive statistics, the range is the length of the smallest interval which contains all the data. It is calculated by subtracting the smallest observations from the greatest and provides an indication of statistical dispersion.

It is measured in the same units as the data. Since it only depends on two of the observations, it is a poor and weak measure of dispersion except when the sample size is large.

For a population, the range is more than twice the standard deviation.

The range, in the sense of the difference between the highest and the lowest scores is also called the crude range. When a new scale for measurement is developed, then a potential maximum or minimum will emanate from this scale. This is called the potential (crude) range. Of course this range should not be chosen too small, in order to avoid a ceiling effect. When the measurement is obtained, the resulting smallest or greatest observation, will provide the observed (crude) range.

The "midrange" point, i.e. the point halfway between the two extremes, is an indicator of the central tendency of the data. Again it is not particularly robust for small samples.

ee also

*Interquartile range
*Studentized range
*Peirce's criterion


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Range — Contents 1 Mathematics, science, and technology 1.1 In mathematics 1 …   Wikipedia

  • Statistics — is a mathematical science pertaining to the collection, analysis, interpretation or explanation, and presentation of data. Also with prediction and forecasting based on data. It is applicable to a wide variety of academic disciplines, from the… …   Wikipedia

  • Statistics Denmark — (Danish: Danmarks Statistik) is a Danish governmental organization under the Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs. The organization is responsible for creating statistics on the Danish society, for example employment statistics, trade… …   Wikipedia

  • Statistics Canada — ( fr. Statistique Canada) is the Canadian federal government department commissioned with producing statistics to help better understand Canada, its population, resources, economy, society, and culture. The bureau is commonly called StatCan or… …   Wikipedia

  • range — [rānj] vt. ranged, ranging [ME rangen < OFr ranger, var. of rengier, to arrange in a circle, row (> ME rengen) < renc < Frank * hring, akin to OE, OHG hring,RING2] 1. to arrange in a certain order; esp., to set in a row or rows 2. to… …   English World dictionary

  • Range Regional Airport — IATA: HIB – ICAO: KHIB – FAA LID: HIB …   Wikipedia

  • statistics — /steuh tis tiks/, n. 1. (used with a sing. v.) the science that deals with the collection, classification, analysis, and interpretation of numerical facts or data, and that, by use of mathematical theories of probability, imposes order and… …   Universalium

  • range — /raynj/, n., adj., v., ranged, ranging. n. 1. the extent to which or the limits between which variation is possible: the range of steel prices; a wide range of styles. 2. the extent or scope of the operation or action of something: within range… …   Universalium

  • range — /reɪndʒ / (say raynj) noun 1. the extent to which, or the limits between which, variation is possible: the range of prices for a commodity. 2. the extent or scope of the operation or efficacy of something: within range of vision. 3. the distance… …  

  • Statistics Canada (StatsCan) — Canada s government agency responsible for producing statistics for a wide range of purposes, including the country s economy and cultural makeup. Most notably, Statistics Canada conducts the Canadian census every five years. The organization is… …   Investment dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”