What is the weighted mean?

The weighted mean is a statistical measure that calculates the average of a set of values while taking into account the importance, or weight, of each observation. This means that rather than treating each observation equally, the weighted mean assigns different levels of influence to different data points based on predefined criteria, such as frequency or significance.

For example, if you have test scores where some tests are worth more than others (like midterms being more heavily weighted than quizzes), the weighted mean will reflect this by calculating a mean that places greater emphasis on the scores from those more important tests.

In contrast, other options suggest alternative methods of calculating means that do not incorporate this essential aspect of assigning weights based on the relative importance of each observation. This distinction is crucial in many areas of statistical analysis and decision-making, ensuring that the calculated average reflects the true significance of the data being analyzed.