Quantitative Literacy Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive Preparation Guide

In this context, the correct choice highlights the distinct roles that the mean and standard deviation play in statistical data analysis. The mean serves as a measure of central tendency, providing a fixed value that represents the average of a data set. It tells us where the center of the data lies, allowing for a straightforward summary of the data’s overall level.

On the other hand, the standard deviation is a measure of dispersion or variability within the data. It quantifies how much the individual data points deviate from the mean, indicating the spread of the values. A larger standard deviation suggests that the data points are more spread out around the mean, while a smaller standard deviation indicates that they are clustered more closely.

Thus, the mean and standard deviation complement each other in describing a data set. The mean gives us a central value, while the standard deviation provides insight into the distribution and variability of the data around that central value, forming a more comprehensive picture of the data's characteristics.