Biostatistics: Mean, Median, Risk Ratios · USMLE Step 1

In a positively skewed distribution, which relationship between mean, median, and mode is expected?

  1. Mean < Median < Mode
  2. Mode < Median < Mean
  3. Median < Mode < Mean
  4. Mean = Median = Mode
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Mode < Median < Mean

In positive skew, the long right tail pulls the mean upward, with mode lowest and mean highest.

Difficulty: Medium Question 2 of 20

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