DA0-002 Data Analysis Practice Question
A data analyst needs to summarize customer satisfaction scores. The data contains a few extremely low scores that skew the distribution. Which measure of central tendency is most appropriate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently default to the mean as the 'average' without considering outlier impact, but CompTIA Data+ tests the understanding that the mean is non-robust and the median is the correct choice for skewed data in the Analyzing and Modeling domain.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Median
The median is the most appropriate measure of central tendency when data contains extreme outliers, such as the very low customer satisfaction scores described. Unlike the mean, the median is resistant to skew because it depends only on the middle value(s) of the sorted dataset, not on the magnitude of extreme values. This makes it the standard choice for summarizing ordinal or skewed interval/ratio data in data analysis.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Range
Why it's wrong here
The range measures spread, not central tendency.
- ✗
Mode
Why it's wrong here
The mode shows the most frequent score, not central tendency, and may be misleading.
- ✓
Median
Why this is correct
The median is robust to outliers and provides a better central value for skewed data.
- ✗
Mean
Why it's wrong here
The mean is influenced by outliers and would not represent the typical score if skewed.
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