Notice a misleading average
An average summarises data by a particular rule. Ask which average is being used and whether the spread matters for the question.
By Zehano · Original AI-assisted explanation and worked example · Updated 16 October 2026 · Editorial approach
A worked example
For the values 2, 4 and 15, the mean is 7 because the total of 21 is divided by three. The median is 4, the middle ordered value. Both calculations are correct. If a description says a typical value is 7, you may want to know that two observations are below it and one relatively large observation raises the mean.
Try it in three steps
- Identify mean, median or another summary.
- Inspect the underlying values where available.
- Ask what information the summary leaves out.
What to watch for
Neither mean nor median is universally best. Choose the summary for the question and retain relevant information about variation and sample size.
Apply it to your own material
Choose one topic from your current course or project. Write down the question you want to answer, make an attempt, and keep a note of how you checked it. Use the example above as a pattern; replace its subject matter and assumptions rather than copying an answer into a different task.
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