What is the most likely standard deviation of data displayed in the given dot plot?

What is the most likely standard deviation of data displayed in the given dot plot?

• A. 10
• B. 12
• C. 15
• D. 20

Answer: (B)

In determining the most likely standard deviation from the given dot plot, it is essential to consider the spread of the data points. The standard deviation measures how much the data varies from the mean. If the dot plot shows a distribution where the data points are relatively concentrated around a central value but still display some spread, a standard deviation of 12 is plausible. This number indicates a moderate degree of variability, suggesting that while most values are close to the mean, there are still noticeable deviations. When interpreting the standard deviation, it's also important to align it with the scale displayed on the dot plot. If the spread of the dots reflects a range where data points frequently cluster close to the mean with few extreme values, a standard deviation of 12 would adequately capture this variability without overestimating the spread. This understanding of the data's dispersion, combined with the characteristics of what a standard deviation means, supports the conclusion that a standard deviation of 12 reflects the likely variability present in the dataset represented in the plot.

In determining the most likely standard deviation from the given dot plot, it is essential to consider the spread of the data points. The standard deviation measures how much the data varies from the mean.

If the dot plot shows a distribution where the data points are relatively concentrated around a central value but still display some spread, a standard deviation of 12 is plausible. This number indicates a moderate degree of variability, suggesting that while most values are close to the mean, there are still noticeable deviations.

When interpreting the standard deviation, it's also important to align it with the scale displayed on the dot plot. If the spread of the dots reflects a range where data points frequently cluster close to the mean with few extreme values, a standard deviation of 12 would adequately capture this variability without overestimating the spread.

This understanding of the data's dispersion, combined with the characteristics of what a standard deviation means, supports the conclusion that a standard deviation of 12 reflects the likely variability present in the dataset represented in the plot.