Sometimes we can’t use the mean, either because we have too much skew, or we have extreme scores. In those situations, we’re going to use the median.

The median is the centre point, where half the data is below that point and the other half of the data is above that point. Median is the best measure for an average when there is a skew present.

The symbol we use for the median is: (mdn).

How to calculate the median:

1. Organise the scores in numerical order (this can be done using the ‘sort’ feature in Excel)
2. Identify which score lies in the exact middle of the data set (if there are two scores, work out the average of those two scores).

Examples:

1. If we have a data set of 2, 4, 90 The middle data point is 4 (regardless of how large “90” might seem in comparison).
2. If we have a data set of 2, 4, 5, 90 We take the middle two data points (4 & 5) and work out the average between them, which is 4,5.

Join the discussion

Can you think of real-world examples where it would be best to use each of the following: Mode, Mean, Median?

Use the discussion section below and let us know your thoughts. Try to respond to at least one other post and once you’re happy with your contribution, click the Mark as Complete button to check the Step off, then you can move to the next step.