We can use a measure of center and a measure of variation to describe the distribution of a data set. To determine which measures are the most appropriate to use, we can see the shape of the distribution.
If the data distribution is symmetric, we can use the mean to describe the center and the mean absolute deviation (MAD) to describe the variation.
If the data distribution is skewed, we can use the median to describe the center and the interquartile range (IQR) to describe the variation.
Consider the given data plot.
The left side of the graph is approximately a mirror of the right side, which means that the most appropriate measures to describe the center and the variation are the mean and the MAD.
