Essay

State the mathematical formula for the mean and explain what each symbol in the formula represents according to standard research methods notation.

Question: State the mathematical formula for the mean and explain what each symbol in the formula represents according to standard research methods notation.

Sample answer: The mathematical formula for the mean is M=ΣX/NM = \Sigma X / N. In this formula, MM is the symbol representing the mean. The symbol Σ\Sigma (the Greek letter sigma) represents the summation sign, indicating that you sum across all values of the variable. The symbol XX represents the variable itself, and NN represents the total number of scores in the distribution.

Key points:

  • State the exact formula: M=ΣX/NM = \Sigma X / N.
  • Identify MM as the symbol representing the mean.
  • Identify Σ\Sigma as the Greek letter sigma, indicating summation across all values.
  • Identify XX as the variable being measured.
  • Identify NN as the total number of scores in the distribution.

Rubric: To receive full credit, the student must correctly state the formula M=ΣX/NM = \Sigma X / N and identify the definition/role of the four symbols: MM (mean), Σ\Sigma (summation), XX (variable), and NN (total number of scores).

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Updated 2026-05-27

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KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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