Spread of a data set - standard deviation & variance

What You'll Learn

Calculate the population standard deviation and variance from data sets

Apply the sample standard deviation formula to estimate population spread

Identify how distance from the mean affects standard deviation calculations

Use frequency tables to efficiently compute mean and standard deviation

Interpret standard deviation as the average distance data points vary from the mean

What You'll Practice

Computing standard deviation and variance for complete data sets

Selecting sample data points and calculating sample standard deviation

Comparing graphs to determine which has highest or lowest standard deviation

Working with frequency tables to find mean and variance

Using calculator statistics functions to verify results

Why This Matters

Understanding standard deviation is essential for analyzing data spread in statistics, science, and real-world applications. You'll use these skills to interpret test scores, compare data consistency, analyze research results, and make informed decisions based on variability in any field that uses data.

Before You Start — Make Sure You Can:

Center of a data set: mean, median, mode

This Unit Includes

5 Video lessons

Practice exercises

Learning resources

Skills

Standard Deviation

Variance

Population vs Sample

Mean

Data Spread

Frequency Tables

Statistical Analysis

OH Curriculum Aligned