The Mode in Statistics – Calculations With Examples

29.12.22 Measures of central tendency Time to read: 4min

How do you like this article?

0 Reviews


Mode-Definition

In the field of statistics, the mode is a key measure of central tendency, along with the nasty and median. Essentially, the mode represents the most frequently occurring value or values in a data set. It can be applied to nominal data, which can be categorized but not numerically ordered, making it unique among the three measures. The concept of mode is fundamental in various statistical analyses and is crucial for understanding the common values and patterns within a data set.

The Mode – In a Nutshell

  • The mode refers to the figure that is most common in a dataset.
  • A dataset could be unimodal, bimodal, trimodal, or multimodal.
  • You can’t use this measure of central tendency in a dataset, where each value appears the same number of times.

Definition: Mode

This is the value that repeatedly appears in a given set. In other words, it is the value with the highest frequency in a particular set of data. This is one of the measures of central tendency.

Another measure you can use is the arithmetic nasty. This is the average of a dataset, and it is calculated by finding the sum of all the numbers in the set. You then need to divide this figure by the sample size (n).

The third measure is the median. This refers to the middle number in the set.

Utilise the final format revision for a flawless end product
Before the printing process of your dissertation, revise your formatting using our 3D preview feature. This provides an accurate virtual depiction of what the physical version will look like, ensuring the end product aligns with your vision.

Multiple modes

Learn the different types of modes in the following:

Unimodal

These are datasets that have one value that appears most frequently. If the data is presented in a histogram, there will only be one peak.

Mode-unimodal-distribution

Bimodal

Statistical distributions can have two modes, and these are referred to as bimodal datasets.

Mode-bimodal-distribution

Trimodal

Trimodal datasets have three modes. With these datasets, there are three figures that will be appearing most frequently in the distribution.

Mode-trimodal-distribution

Multimodal

Multimodal datasets have more than three modes. If the dataset is presented in a histogram, there will be more than three peaks.1

Mode-multimodal-distribution

Finding the mode

Finding this value is quite simple. You should follow these steps:

  1. Start by arranging the numbers in order.
  2. Then you can count how many times each number appears.
  3. You should then note the number which appears most frequently.

Numerical mode

A numerical dataset uses numbers instead of natural language. These are also referred to as quantitative data. Since the data uses numbers, you can perform arithmetic operations on it.

Example

The number 2 appears three times and is the most frequent figure in the distribution.

Categorical mode

A categorical dataset is a collection of information that is divided into groups. These datasets can either consist of nominal data or ordinal data.

Example

Shirts worn by five children could be grouped based on the colors. These could be red, green, or blue.

The data collected may be presented as follows: {R, R, R, G, B}. In this distribution, the most frequently appearing color is red.

Mode for grouped data

Grouped data is given in the form of class intervals. The mode can either be a class interval or a specific value.

  • Modal class: With this option, the mode is given as a category.
  • Modal value: The mode here will be given as a specific value instead of a class.

Example

The scores of 10 students can be as follows: 30, 30, 38, 39, 60, 73, 80, 84, 86, and 89. These can be placed in six categories, as you can see below:

  • 30 to 40 – 4
  • 41 to 50 – 0
  • 51 to 60 – 1
  • 61 to 70 – 0
  • 71 to 80 – 2
  • 81 to 90 – 3

The modal class here is 30 to 40. This is because the highest number of figures occur in this category. The modal value is 30 as it appears twice in the dataset.

No mode

A dataset where all value appears an equal number of times will not have a mode. With such datasets, this method can’t be used to locate the center of the distribution.

Example

Since each number appears once, you can’t find the most frequent value.

When to use the mode

This measure of central tendency should be used with categorical data. In fact, it is the only measure of central tendency that you can use with categorical data.

The level of measurement will also determine whether this method will be the most suitable measure of central tendency. It should be used with ordinal data and discrete data.

It is also worth noting the cases where you should never use this method.

  • You shouldn’t use this measure if all values appear the same number of times.
  • Also, it shouldn’t be used if there is a very small number of values.
Print Your Thesis Now
BachelorPrint is a leading online printing service that provides several benefits for students in the UK:
  • ✓ 3D live preview of your individual configuration
  • ✓ Free express delivery for every single purchase
  • ✓ Top-notch bindings with customised embossing

Start Printing

FAQs

It is used to locate the most common value in a dataset. It helps researchers draw conclusions about different studies.

The different types are:

  • Unimodal
  • Bimodal
  • Trimodal
  • Multimodal

You can also use the median and nasty as measures of central tendency.

Yes, it will be missing in a dataset where all values appear the same number of times.


From

Salome Stolle

How do you like this article?

0 Reviews
 
About the author

Salome Stolle works as the brand manager for the English market at BachelorPrint. Throughout her 12-year residency in Denmark, she completed her International baccalaureate and Master’s in Culture, Communication, and Globalization with a specialization in media and market consumption. Through this experience, she has gained advanced competencies in academic writing and a high proficiency level in the English language. With her passion for writing, she does not only deliver well-written content but also strives to adjust to the students’ demands.

Show all articles from this author
About
BachelorPrint | The #1 Online Printing Service
For Students

Specialised in the printing and binding of academic papers, theses, and dissertations, BachelorPrint provides a comprehensive variety of bindings and design options. The BachelorPrint online printing service sets out to facilitate that every single British student attains the binding of their dreams.<br/>Beyond that, BachelorPrint publishes a multitude of educational articles on diverse subjects related to academic writing in their Study Guide section, which assists students in the creation of their thesis or dissertation.


New articles