What does a narrow range indicate about a data set?

A narrow range indicates that the data points in a data set are closely clustered around the mean.

When we talk about the range in a data set, we are referring to the difference between the highest and lowest values. A narrow range means that this difference is small, suggesting that the values are not spread out widely. For example, if you have test scores of 78, 80, 82, and 79, the range is just 4 (82 - 78 = 4). This tells us that the scores are quite similar to each other.

In practical terms, a narrow range can imply consistency or uniformity in the data. For instance, if a class of students all score between 75 and 85 on a test, it suggests that the students have similar levels of understanding of the material. This can be useful information for a teacher who might want to know if the class is generally keeping up with the lessons.

On the other hand, a narrow range might also indicate a lack of diversity in the data. If you were analysing the heights of a group of people and found that they all fell within a very narrow range, it might suggest that the group is not very diverse in terms of height.

Understanding the range helps in interpreting the spread and variability of the data, which is crucial for making informed decisions based on that data.