Calculate the mean from the following sample of data. 2, 4, 4, 6, 6, 8, 8, 8, 17

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

The arithmetic mean is the sum of all values in a dataset divided by the total number of values.
Sum of values: 2 + 4 + 4 + 6 + 6 + 8 + 8 + 8 + 17 = 63.
Total number of values in the dataset is 9.
Mean = Sum of values / Total number of values = 63 / 9 = 7.

Option A: This value represents the total number of data points (n=9) in the sample, not their average.
Option C: This is the median of the dataset, which is the middle value when the data is sorted (2, 4, 4, 6, 6, 8, 8, 8, 17). It is not the mean.
Option D: This is the mode of the dataset, which is the most frequently occurring value (8 appears three times). It is not the mean.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Calculation of the arithmetic mean from a sample dataset as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the mean is crucial in nursing for interpreting lab results, vital signs trends, and research data to make evidence-based decisions.
For example, a nurse calculates the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) to assess tissue perfusion or tracks the average daily fluid intake/output for a patient.
What if the dataset included an extreme outlier, like 170 instead of 17? The mean would become (46 + 170) / 9 = 24. This shows the mean is sensitive to outliers, and in such cases, the median might be a better measure of central tendency.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the task from the question stem, which is to 'calculate the mean'.
Recall the definition of mean: the sum of all data points divided by the number of data points.
Step 1: Sum all the numbers in the dataset: 2 + 4 + 4 + 6 + 6 + 8 + 8 + 8 + 17 = 63.
Step 2: Count the total number of data points in the dataset. There are 9 numbers.
Step 3: Divide the sum by the count: 63 ÷ 9 = 7.
Step 4: Compare your result with the given options and select the matching value. Be careful not to confuse the mean with the median (6) or the mode (8).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB 14 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.