Watch the animations for calculating mode and then consider the question below.

Why use these techniques? Is it appropriate?

The mode is used for categorical data where we wish to know which the most common category is. For instance if you measure the temperature over a month you would use the mode to find out the most frequently occurring temperatue.

Evaluate the strengths and limitations of using mode.

Strengths
Limitations

Strengths of Using the Mode –

  • The mode is a very easy calculation
  • Anomalies (high or low numbers) won’t affect the result.
  • It can be used for data placed in categories.

Weaknesses of Using the Mode –

  • It is not possible to do any further calculations from the result.
  • It may be impossible or difficult to work out the modal value if all numbers only occurs once in a data set or when two or more value occur the same number of times.