Quick Answer
The median is the correct choice because it remains stable even when skewed data and outliers distort the distribution. Unlike the mean, which is pulled toward extreme values, the median reflects the center of the dataset by identifying the middle value, making it resistant to skew. On the CompTIA Data+ DA0-001 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to choose the appropriate measure of central tendency based on data shape—a common trap is assuming the mean is always best, but outliers like very low satisfaction scores demand the median. A quick memory tip: “Median means middle, and middle ignores the mess”—when outliers skew the data, the median stays true to the typical case.
This DA0-001 practice question tests your understanding of analyzing and modeling data. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
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?
Range
Why wrong: The range measures spread, not central tendency.
Mode
Why wrong: The mode shows the most frequent score, not central tendency, and may be misleading.
Median
The median is robust to outliers and provides a better central value for skewed data.
Mean
Why wrong: The mean is influenced by outliers and would not represent the typical score if skewed.
Answer choices
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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Mean
Why it's wrong here
The mean is influenced by outliers and would not represent the typical score if skewed.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often default to the mean as the 'average' without considering outlier impact, but Cisco 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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The mode shows the most frequent score, not central tendency, and may be misleading.
Detailed technical explanation
The median is calculated by sorting all values and selecting the middle value (or the average of the two middle values for an even number of observations). In skewed distributions, the median provides a robust estimate of central location because it has a breakdown point of 50%—meaning that up to half the data can be arbitrarily extreme without affecting the median. In practice, for customer satisfaction scores (often on a Likert scale or 0–100), the median is preferred over the mean in survey analysis to avoid distortion from a few disgruntled respondents.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the DA0-001 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Analyzing and Modeling Data — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Analyzing and Modeling Data — This question tests Analyzing and Modeling Data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This DA0-001 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DA0-001 exam.
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