The median is defined as a value which divides the data set that have been ordered, into two
equal parts, one part compromising of observations greater than and the other part smaller than it.
Median=(n/2)th value ( for single set of observations)
Median= L+h/f(n/2-C) for frequency distribution
Note: For odd number of observations we use n+1 in the place of n, above mentioned formulas.
Example: find the median
3, 4, 5, 1, 6, 4,1,8
To find the median first we have to arrange it in ascending order
1,1,3,4,4,5,6,8
Solution:
Median=(8/2)th value
Median=4th value
Median=4
Median frequency distribution example
Class Intervals | Class Boundaries | Frequency | CF |
16-19 | 15.5-19.5 | 2 | 2 |
20-23 | 19.5-23.5 | 8 | 10 |
24-27 | 23.5-27.5 | 18 | 28 |
28-31 | 27.5-31.5 | 15 | 43 |
32-35 | 31.5-35.5 | 6 | 49 |
36-39 | 35.5-39.5 | 1 | 50 |
Median value= 50/2= 25th value
Median=L+h/f(n/2-C)
Median=23.5+4/18(25-10)
Median=26.83
1. With the help of cumulativee frequency curve
Median=n/2 where n=sum of all frequencies.
200/2=100th
Median is between 439.5 and 449.5. Median in statistics can also be called Q2 or Median Quartile.
- It is easily calculated and understood
- It is located even when the values are not capable of quantitative measurement.
- It is not affected by extreme values
- It can be located graphically
- It can be easily located even if the class intervals in the series are unequal
Disadvantages of Median
- It is not subjected to algebraic treatments.
- It cannot be used in further statistical treatment
- It does not have sampling stability
- It does not take into account the values of all items in the series.
- It is useful in those cases where numerical measurements are not possible.
- It is also useful in those cases where mathematical calculation cannot be made in order to obtain the mean.
- It is generally used in studying phenomenon like skills, honesty, intelligence etc.