pdf Variation - Mean Absolute Deviation

This worksheet deepens students’ understanding of mean absolute deviation (MAD) by applying it to meaningful real-world comparisons. Instead of simply calculating MAD from a single data set, students analyze multiple sets of data that share the same mean but differ in variability.

In the first scenario, students compare two students’ quiz grades. Although both students have the same average, students must compute the absolute deviations from the mean and determine which set of scores shows greater variation. In the second scenario, students compare three basketball players who average the same number of points per game. By calculating the MAD for each player, students identify which player shows the most and least consistency in scoring.

Because the activity requires both computation and written explanation, it strengthens conceptual understanding of variability and reinforces why MAD is useful when comparing data sets with equal means. This resource works well as guided practice, small-group discussion, assessment, or enrichment within a statistics unit focused on measures of spread.

Skills Assessed

• Calculating mean absolute deviation (MAD)

• Finding absolute deviations from the mean

• Comparing variability between data sets

• Interpreting measures of spread

• Explaining statistical reasoning in context

Details

• 2 pages

• Answer key included

ID# 0721