California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Math Practice Exam

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What does standard deviation indicate in a set of data?

The median value of the data set
The average of the data set
The spread of data from the mean
The total number of data points

The correct answer is: The spread of data from the mean

Standard deviation is a statistical measure that quantifies the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of data values. When we refer to the spread of data from the mean, we are talking about how far individual data points typically deviate from the average value (mean) of the data set. In practical terms, a low standard deviation indicates that the data points tend to be close to the mean, suggesting that the values are clustered together. In contrast, a high standard deviation signifies that the data points are spread out over a wider range of values, indicating more variability within the data set. By understanding standard deviation, one can assess the consistency of the data as well as compare the relative variability of different data sets. This is crucial in numerous fields, such as finance, research, and even daily life, as it helps in understanding data distribution and making informed decisions based on that understanding.