Question

The following box plots show different heights of two types of trees. What is the best description of the medians for the box​ plots? Use pencil and paper. Are you always able to make a clear inference from the data you are​ given? Explain.
Tree 1
53
54
55
56
57
Height (feet)



x y graph
Tree 2
53
54
55
56
57
Height (feet)



x y graph
Question content area bottom
Part 1
Which of the following is the best description of the​ medians?

Answer 1

Best description: the medians are the same — both medians are at 55 feet.

Explanation/caveats:
- From boxplots drawn on the same axis you can read the median line in each box; here both median lines align with the 55 tick so the sample medians are equal.
- However, you are not always able to make a clear inference from boxplots alone. Boxplots give a good visual of medians and spread but have limited precision (rounding, resolution), don’t show sample size or all data points, and don’t tell you whether any observed difference (or equality) is statistically significant. For stronger conclusions you would need the raw data or a formal statistical test.