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Statistics · AP · Exploring One-Variable Data

CED focus

Summary Statistics for a Quantitative Variable

This topic is assessed on the AP Exam.

Multiple-choice tips

  • Match the display (dotplot, histogram, boxplot) to the question.
  • Eliminate summaries that ignore skew (mean vs median).
  • Check whether the question asks about individuals or variables.
  • On outlier MC, recall the 1.5×IQR rule when applicable.

Free-response tips

  • Describe shape, center, spread, and outliers in context.
  • Compare distributions with parallel language (more spread, higher median).
  • State whether mean or median is better for skewed data.
  • Use units when reporting center and spread.

Common traps

  • Reporting only the mean on a skewed distribution
  • Calling every far point an outlier without a rule
  • Comparing distributions without mentioning shape and spread

Quick checklist

  • [ ] Can describe a distribution in context
  • [ ] Can choose median/IQR vs mean/SD appropriately
  • [ ] Can compare two distributions fairly

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