For a right-skewed distribution, which statement is typically true about the mean and median?

For a right-skewed distribution, which statement is typically true about the mean and median?

• A. Mean is less than median
• B. Mean equals median
• C. Mean is greater than median
• D. Mean is the same as mode

Answer: (C)

In a right-skewed distribution, also known as positively skewed, the tail of the distribution extends further to the right. This characteristic of the distribution plays a significant role in the relationship between the mean and the median. In general, the mean is impacted by extreme values, or outliers, more than the median. When the distribution is right-skewed, the presence of higher values pulls the mean to the right of the median. As a result, the mean exceeds the median; this is a key distinguishing feature of skewed distributions. The median, being the middle value, remains relatively unaffected by these outliers, while the mean adjusts upwards due to the influence of the higher values in the tail. This behavior illustrates why for right-skewed distributions, it is typically true that the mean is greater than the median, confirming the correctness of the chosen answer.

In a right-skewed distribution, also known as positively skewed, the tail of the distribution extends further to the right. This characteristic of the distribution plays a significant role in the relationship between the mean and the median.

In general, the mean is impacted by extreme values, or outliers, more than the median. When the distribution is right-skewed, the presence of higher values pulls the mean to the right of the median. As a result, the mean exceeds the median; this is a key distinguishing feature of skewed distributions. The median, being the middle value, remains relatively unaffected by these outliers, while the mean adjusts upwards due to the influence of the higher values in the tail.

This behavior illustrates why for right-skewed distributions, it is typically true that the mean is greater than the median, confirming the correctness of the chosen answer.