To determine the midpoint of a test based on student scores, which statistical measure should a teacher use?

The median is the most appropriate statistic to determine the midpoint of a set of scores, as it specifically represents the middle value when scores are arranged in numerical order. By identifying the median, a teacher can see the point at which half the students scored below and half scored above, providing a clear indication of the central tendency of the data set. The mode, which indicates the most frequently occurring score, is also relevant; however, it does not directly reflect the midpoint in the same way as the median does.

The mean, while useful for understanding overall performance, can be heavily influenced by extreme scores or outliers, which can skew the average in either direction, making it less reliable for identifying a true midpoint. The range gives a sense of the span of scores but does not provide information about the central tendency. Standard deviation measures the dispersion of scores around the mean and does not convey where the midpoint lies. Thus, focusing on the median and mode to find the midpoint ensures a more accurate representation of the students' performance on the test.