The Advantage of Using Mean Absolute Deviation Rather Than Variance

question 119

Multiple Choice

The advantage of using mean absolute deviation rather than variance as a measure of dispersion is that mean absolute deviation ________.

• A) is less sensitive to extreme deviations
• B) requires fewer observations to be a valid measure
• C) is a relative measure rather than an absolute measure of risk
• D) considers only unfavorable (negative) deviations from the mean

---

Definitions:

Plasticity

The capability of the brain to adapt and reorganize itself, both in development and in response to damage.

Critical Periods

Specific times during early development when the organism is particularly sensitive to environmental stimuli, leading to the formation of specific neural and psychological traits.

Sensitive Periods

Specific times in an individual's development when they are more receptive to certain types of learning and environmental influences.

Imprinting

Instinctive form of learning in which, during a critical period in early development, a young animal forms an attachment to the first moving object it sees, usually the mother.