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Bimodal

Definition

Bimodal describes a data set that has two distinct modes, or peaks, in its frequency distribution. It indicates the presence of two different values that appear with the highest frequency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. A bimodal distribution will have two modes where each mode represents a local maximum in a frequency distribution.
  2. In a bimodal distribution, the mean and median might not be effective central tendency measures due to the dual peaks.
  3. Bimodal distributions can indicate the presence of two different groups within a data set.
  4. Visual representation of bimodal data typically shows two peaks or humps on a histogram or frequency plot.
  5. Statistical analysis of bimodal data often involves separating the data into two distinct groups for further study.

Review Questions

  • What does it mean if a data set is described as bimodal?
  • How would you visually identify a bimodal distribution on a graph?
  • Why might the mean and median be less useful in describing a bimodal distribution?

Related terms

Mean: The average value of a set of numbers, calculated by dividing the sum of all values by the number of values.

Median: The middle value in a list of numbers arranged in ascending or descending order.

Mode: The value that appears most frequently in a data set.



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ยฉ 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

APยฎ and SATยฎ are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.