Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

What does a standard deviation measure in a set of scores?

1. a. the average score

2. b. the range of scores

3. c. the variability of scores

4. d. the maximum score

The correct answer is: c. the variability of scores

The standard deviation is a statistical measure that quantifies the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of scores. Specifically, it indicates how much individual scores in a dataset tend to differ from the mean (average) of that dataset. A low standard deviation means that the scores tend to be close to the mean, whereas a high standard deviation indicates that the scores are spread out over a wider range. In research and data analysis, understanding the variability of scores is crucial. It provides insight into the consistency of the data and can inform decisions based on how much individual scores deviate from the mean. This is particularly important in counseling and educational settings, where understanding the spread of scores can help professionals assess client needs or evaluate educational programs. Other options do not accurately reflect what standard deviation measures. The average score, range of scores, and maximum score each pertain to different aspects of data analysis that do not capture the variability. Thus, recognizing that standard deviation specifically measures variability allows for a deeper understanding of data in a statistical context.