What statistical measures are often used to summarize data in epidemiological studies?

The use of mean, median, and mode as statistical measures to summarize data is particularly suitable in epidemiological studies because these measures provide a comprehensive understanding of the central tendency and distribution of the data.

The mean gives the average value, offering a summary of the data set that takes all values into account. It is useful for normally distributed data. The median, being the middle value when the data is sorted, is important for understanding the central point of the dataset, especially in instances where the data may be skewed by outliers. The mode represents the most frequently occurring value, which can highlight significant trends within the data.

Using these three measures together allows researchers to obtain a well-rounded view of the data: the mean reveals overall tendencies, the median provides insight into the midpoint, and the mode indicates what is most common. This combination is particularly valuable in epidemiology, where understanding the distribution and central values of disease occurrence can guide public health decisions and resource allocation.

Conversely, other statistical measures like variance or range provide insights into variability rather than summarizing central tendencies. While these measures are also essential, the trio of mean, median, and mode is fundamentally more focused on summarizing the data in a way that elucidates key characteristics of the epidemiological