How is the mean calculated?

The mean, often referred to as the average, is calculated by summing all the data values in a dataset and then dividing that total by the number of observations or data points. This method accurately reflects the central tendency of the data by providing a single value that represents the entire set. The mean takes into account every value in the dataset, which can be especially useful when comparing different datasets or when the data is symmetrically distributed.

In contrast, determining the middle value of a dataset refers to the median, which is a different measure of central tendency. Identifying the most frequently occurring value in a dataset speaks to the mode, another distinct measure. Analyzing the spread of data points relates to measures of variability, such as range or standard deviation, rather than central tendency. Thus, the method of summing the data values and dividing by the number of observations explicitly outlines the correct procedure for calculating the mean.