How do you calculate the range of a data set?

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Study for the UCF PSY3213C Research Methods in Psychology Exam. Review key concepts with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations and hints. Master your subject and excel in your test!

The range of a data set is a measure of dispersion that indicates the spread of values within that set. To calculate the range, you find the difference between the highest and lowest scores. This calculation provides insight into the extent of variation in the data by highlighting how far apart the extreme values are.

For instance, if the highest score in a given data set is 90 and the lowest score is 50, the range would be 90 - 50 = 40. This method is straightforward and quickly gives a sense of the overall distribution's breadth, making it an essential concept in descriptive statistics. Other methods mentioned, such as finding the mean, median, or identifying the middle score, focus on central tendency and do not measure the variability of the data set. This is why the correct approach for calculating the range specifically involves determining the difference between the highest and lowest scores.