When finding the median of a dataset, what is the correct procedure if there is an even number of scores?

A researcher is calculating the median for a dataset of four reaction-time scores (in seconds): 0.9, 0.3, 1.2, and 0.6. Arrange the steps in the correct order to determine the median for this set.

A researcher is analyzing the results of a psychological study where participants were asked to solve as many puzzles as possible in 10 minutes. The current data for a small group of five participants is: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Match each proposed modification of this dataset to the resulting median puzzle-solving score.

A researcher is evaluating the central tendency of a dataset containing eight scores: $8, 4, 12, 14, 3, 2, 3, 15$$. The researcher concludes that because the dataset has an even number of scores, there is no single middle value, and therefore the median cannot be determined. This conclusion is a correct evaluation of the procedure for finding the median.

Based on the example provided in the text, match each description of a dataset or score component to its correct numerical value.

In the example provided, the median for the set of seven scores is identified as $4$. Why does the procedure for finding the median change when an eighth score of $15$ is added to the dataset?

A psychology researcher studying memory records the number of words correctly recalled by six participants: 5, 12, 3, 10, 1, and 8. After arranging these scores from lowest to highest, the median number of words recalled is _____.

A researcher records five depression scores for a pilot study: $7, 2, 9, 5, 1$. After arranging the scores from lowest to highest, the researcher correctly identifies $5$ as the median because it has exactly two scores below it and two scores above it.

A researcher notes that adding a score of $15$ to the dataset $2, 3, 3, 4, 8, 12, 14$ shifts the median from $4$ to $6$. This shift occurs because, with an even number of scores, the median is defined as the _____ of the two middle values.

A graduate student reviews a colleague's claim that the median of the dataset $5, 12, 3, 8, 1, 10, 6, 9$ is $7$. Arrange the following steps in the correct order to evaluate whether this claim is accurate.

Recall the fundamental steps required to find the median of a dataset as described in the text. Detail what must be done to the scores first, and describe how the process differs depending on whether the dataset has an odd or an even number of scores.

Explain why adding the eighth score of $15$ changes the calculation method for finding the median, and describe how the new median is determined using the scores $4$ and $8$.

Apply the median calculation procedure described in the text to the seven scores $8, 4, 12, 14, 3, 2, 3$. Provide the ordered sequence of these scores and state the final median value.