Question

a sample of blood pressure measurements is taken from a data set and those values (mm hg) are listed below. the values are matched so that subjects each have systolic and diastolic measurements. find the mean and median for each of the two samples and then compare the two sets of results. are the measures of center the best statistics to use with these data? what else might be better?

systolic: 114 98 146 109 121 130 97 137 117 118
diastolic: 67 74 59 56 67 58 91 99 94 76

find the means.
( type integers or decimals rounded to one decimal place as needed )
the mean for systolic is 119.4 mm hg and the mean for diastolic is 86.1 mm hg.

find the medians.
( type integers or decimals rounded to one decimal place as needed )
the median for systolic is 117.5 mm hg and the median for diastolic is 83 mm hg.

compare the results. choose the correct answer below.
a. the mean and the median for the systolic pressure are both lower than the mean and the median for the diastolic pressure.
b. the median is lower for the diastolic pressure, but the mean is lower for the systolic pressure.
c. the mean and the median for the diastolic pressure are both lower than the mean and the median for the systolic pressure.
d. the mean and median appear to be roughly the same for both types of blood pressure.
e. the mean is lower for the diastolic pressure, but the median is lower for the systolic pressure.

are the measures of center the best statistics to use with these data?
a. since the systolic and diastolic blood pressure measures different characteristics, a comparison of the measures of center doesnt make sense.
b. since the sample sizes are large, measures of center would not be a valid way to compare the data sets.
c. since the systolic and diastolic blood pressures measure different characteristics, only measures of center should be used to compare the data sets.
d. since the sample sizes are equal, measures of center are a valid way to compare the data sets.

Explanation:

Answer:

For the "Compare the results" question: D. The mean and median appear to be roughly the same for both types of blood pressure.
For the "Are the measures of center..." question: C. Since the systolic and diastolic blood pressures measure different characteristics, only measures of center should be used to compare the data sets.