What is the median in a set of scores?

The median is specifically defined as the middle score in a set of ordered scores, where half of the scores lie above it and half lie below it. To determine the median, one must arrange the scores in ascending order and locate the value that effectively divides the dataset into two equal halves.

This characteristic makes the median a key measure of central tendency, especially useful when dealing with skewed distributions or outliers, as it is not affected by extreme values unlike the mean. Therefore, choosing the median provides a more accurate reflection of the typical score in a dataset when the distribution is not even. In cases where there is an even number of scores, the median is calculated by averaging the two middle scores. This precise definition and method of calculation highlight the median's unique role in summarizing data, distinguishing it from the other options, which represent different statistical concepts.