- Definition
Measures of central tendency are different ways to find the "middle" or "average" value in a group of numbers, like finding the most common number, the number exactly in the middle, or the typical average.
For a group of friends with heights 150, 152, 155, 155, and 160 cm, the median height (155 cm) is one measure of central tendency.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Measures of central tendency are like finding the 'typical' score in a video game to describe how you usually do.
Ask your child: If these were your test scores, what one number best sums them up?
Common mix-up: Kids often think 'average' is the only way to find the center of a set of data. There are actually three common ways (mean, median, and mode), and each gives a different kind of insight.
Examples
- Finding the mean by adding up all your spelling test scores and dividing by the number of tests.
- Identifying the mode by finding the most common shoe size in your classroom.
measures of central tendency is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
