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Detailed Boxplot Explanation

A boxplot, or box-and-whisker plot, is a statistical graph that summarizes data by showing its median, spread, outliers, and symmetry. It is useful for researchers to compare groups, identify skewness, and visualize data variation. The boxplot is constructed using five key values: minimum, first quartile (Q1), median, third quartile (Q3), and maximum.

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13 views3 pages

Detailed Boxplot Explanation

A boxplot, or box-and-whisker plot, is a statistical graph that summarizes data by showing its median, spread, outliers, and symmetry. It is useful for researchers to compare groups, identify skewness, and visualize data variation. The boxplot is constructed using five key values: minimum, first quartile (Q1), median, third quartile (Q3), and maximum.

Uploaded by

ijazhussain6549
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Understanding Boxplot: A Detailed

Guide
1. What is a Boxplot?
A boxplot, also called a box-and-whisker plot, is a special type of graph used in statistics to
summarize a group of numbers. It shows the middle of the data, how spread out the data is,
whether there are any outliers, and if the data is symmetrical or skewed. It helps visualize
the data quickly without looking at every number.

Purpose in Research
Researchers collect a lot of data. Instead of listing all the numbers, they can use a boxplot to:
- Compare multiple groups
- See if data is skewed (leaning left or right)
- Spot unusual values (outliers)
- Understand the range and variation

2. Five Key Values in a Boxplot


Name Meaning

Minimum The smallest value in the data

First Quartile (Q1) The value at 25% of the data (lower


quartile)

Median (Q2) The middle value (50% of data is below


this)

Third Quartile (Q3) The value at 75% of the data (upper


quartile)

Maximum The largest value in the data

3. How to Calculate Each of the Five Values (Step by Step)


Sample Dataset: 3, 7, 8, 5, 12, 14, 21, 13, 18

Step 1: Sort the data


Sorted: 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 21

Step 2: Minimum = 3
Step 3: Maximum = 21

Step 4: Median (Q2): 5th value = 12

Step 5: Q1 = (5 + 7) / 2 = 6

Step 6: Q3 = (14 + 18) / 2 = 16

Statistic Value

Minimum 3

Q1 6

Median 12

Q3 16

Maximum 21

4. Drawing the Boxplot

By Hand
1. Draw a number line from 0 to 25.
2. Mark the five values: Min = 3, Q1 = 6, Median = 12, Q3 = 16, Max = 21.
3. Draw a box from Q1 to Q3 (6 to 16).
4. Draw a line inside the box at the Median (12).
5. Draw whiskers from Min to Q1 and Q3 to Max.
Text version:
|----|=======|====|=======|----|
3 6 12 16 21

Using Excel or Google Sheets


In Excel:
1. Enter data in one column.
2. Highlight the data.
3. Click on Insert → Chart.
4. Choose Box and Whisker chart.
In Google Sheets:
1. Enter data in one column.
2. Click Insert → Chart.
3. Choose Boxplot chart type.
5. Summary Table of Each Term
Term Formula or Process Example Value

Minimum Smallest number Smallest of 3–21 3

Q1 (5 + 7)/2 Lower half median 6

Median (Q2) Middle value 5th number 12

Q3 (14 + 18)/2 Upper half median 16

Maximum Largest number 21 21

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