This course provides a comprehensive understanding of central tendency measures, equipping students with the skills to compute, interpret, and distinguish these measures in frequency distributions. It delves into the selection of appropriate measures based on a variable's level of measurement and the shape of its frequency distribution. The course aims to enhance statistical literacy, promoting informed decision-making in various fields.
Measures of Central Tendency
Measures of Central Tendency
This course is part of Data Exploration in Psychology Specialization
Instructor: Mike Stadler, PhD
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
3 hours to complete
3 weeks at 1 hour a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Compute and interpret the measures of central tendency.
Distinguish among the measures of central tendency in frequency distributions.
Select appropriate measures of central tendency based on a variable’s scale and frequency distribution.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
September 2024
Assessments
16 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Data Exploration in Psychology Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 9 modules in this course
This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.
What's included
2 videos8 readings
Central tendency is a term for the middle of a distribution of data. You may have talked about averages like a grade point average or the average time spent on social media. In addition to averages, in this course we will also calculate and interpret two other measures of central tendency: the median and the mode.
What's included
1 video1 reading
The mean is the most commonly used form of central tendency and is often, but not always, what people have in mind when they use the term “average.” This module examines in detail the mean and how it is calculated.
What's included
3 videos2 readings3 assignments
The median is a measure of central tendency that identifies the midpoint among the values in a data set. This module examines in detail the median and how it is located.
What's included
2 videos3 readings3 assignments
The mode is the value in a data set that occurs most often. It can be used for any variable, even those at a nominal level of measurement. This module examines in detail the mode and how it is located.
What's included
2 videos1 reading3 assignments
In this module we explore the relationship between measures of central tendency and how they are graphed in frequency distributions.
What's included
2 videos2 readings3 assignments
This module provides opportunities to practice identifying the best measure of central tendency for a given data set.
What's included
2 readings3 assignments
What's included
2 readings1 assignment
This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.
What's included
8 readings
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Data Analysis
American Psychological Association
University of Amsterdam
American Psychological Association
Stanford University
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
New to Data Analysis? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.