Identify the measures of dispersion. Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

1.Range

2.Quartile deviation

3.Sum of the deviations about mean

4.Standard deviation

A1, 2 and 3 only

B2, 3 and 4 only

C1, 2 and 4 only ✓ Correct

D1, 3 and 4 only

Correct answer: (C) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation

Range, quartile deviation and standard deviation all measure the spread or dispersion of data.

Range is the gap between the highest and lowest values.

Quartile deviation is half the distance between the first and third quartiles.

Standard deviation is the root mean square of deviations from the mean.

The sum of deviations about the mean always equals zero, so it cannot measure spread.

Standard deviation is the most widely used and mathematically tractable dispersion measure.

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