Which statistical measure represents the average of a set of scores?

The mean is the statistical measure that represents the average of a set of scores. To calculate the mean, you sum all the scores in a data set and then divide that sum by the number of scores in the set. This measure is useful for identifying the central tendency of a data set, as it takes into account every value, providing a comprehensive summary of the data.

The mean is particularly valuable in educational psychology for understanding overall performance levels, such as average test scores or typical responses in surveys. Unlike the median, which focuses on the midpoint, or the mode, which identifies the most frequently occurring score, the mean gives a broader perspective on the collective performance.

In contrast, standard deviation quantifies the variation or dispersion of scores around the mean, not the average itself. Therefore, when looking to determine the average score, the mean is the most applicable and informative measure.