For dealing with qualitative data the best average is:- a) AM b) GM c) Mode d) Median

Options

A. AM
B. GM
C. Mode
D. Median

Answer

To determine the best average for dealing with qualitative data, let's analyze the options provided:

1. **Understanding Qualitative Data**:
- Qualitative data refers to non-numeric information that describes characteristics or qualities. Examples include colors, names, labels, etc.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **a) Arithmetic Mean (AM)**: This is calculated by adding all the values and dividing by the number of values. It is suitable for quantitative data, not qualitative.
- **b) Geometric Mean (GM)**: This is used for sets of positive numbers and is also suitable for quantitative data. It is not applicable to qualitative data.
- **c) Mode**: This represents the most frequently occurring value in a dataset. It can be used for qualitative data since it identifies the most common category or characteristic.
- **d) Median**: This is the middle value when data is arranged in order. While it can be used for ordinal qualitative data, it is not as effective as mode for nominal qualitative data.

3. **Conclusion**:
- Since qualitative data often involves categories without a natural order, the mode is the most appropriate measure of central tendency. It identifies the most common category, making it the best average for qualitative data.

Thus, the best average for dealing with qualitative data is **c) Mode**.