Definition Dispersion

Dispersion denotes the scattering or spread of individual data points around their average. For instance, the data sets (10, 20, and 30) and (19, 20, and 21) each share the same center - the average value 20 -, they are distributed quite differently around that center. 

Please note that the definitions in our statistics encyclopedia are simplified explanations of terms. Our goal is to make the definitions accessible for a broad audience; thus it is possible that some definitions do not adhere entirely to scientific standards.