Question:
The variation in one data set is compared with another data set by using:
The variation in one data set is compared with another data set by using:
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You need a relative, unit-free measure of spread to compare two different data sets.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Variance
- Coefficient of variation
- Standard error of mean
- Standard deviation
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: To compare the spread of two different data sets, you need a measure that is relative (unit-free), not absolute.
Step 2: The coefficient of variation (CV) is defined as the standard deviation expressed as a percentage of the mean: \(CV = \frac{SD}{mean} \times 100\). Because it is a ratio, it lets you compare variability across data sets with different means or units.
Step 3: The other choices are absolute measures: variance is the square of SD, standard deviation is the average spread from the mean, and standard error of mean reflects precision of the sample mean. None of these directly compares variability between two sets.
Ref: Fundamentals of Biostatistics, 7th ed., Pages 20-21.
Step 2: The coefficient of variation (CV) is defined as the standard deviation expressed as a percentage of the mean: \(CV = \frac{SD}{mean} \times 100\). Because it is a ratio, it lets you compare variability across data sets with different means or units.
Step 3: The other choices are absolute measures: variance is the square of SD, standard deviation is the average spread from the mean, and standard error of mean reflects precision of the sample mean. None of these directly compares variability between two sets.
Ref: Fundamentals of Biostatistics, 7th ed., Pages 20-21.
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