03-08-2023 Workshop Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Interpreting the Numbers Most of the results included in this study are reported on the basis of medians rather than arithmetical averages or means. Unlike the mean, the median is not distorted by a few unusually high or low values that may exist in the sample due to special circumstances. The “median” value represents the mid-point of the data for a particular measure, with one-half of the respondents reporting figures above it and one-half below. Each median was computed independently based on the agencies that reported for that item. As a result, mathematical relationships do not always exist when different ratios are used together in the calculation. Figures reported were not used unless they were in accordance with the survey instructions and definitions. In cases where the number of respondents was considered inadequate for the computation of a meaningful figure, “ISD” appears in the tables. Lower 25% of Reported Figures Middle 50% of Reported Figures (Middle Range) Upper 25% of Reported Figures Smallest Number Reported Lower Quartile Median Upper Quartile Largest Number Reported If you see “no data” in the table of data under a graph, you haven’t answered the required Agency Performance Survey questions to generate this comparison. Definitions Median (or 50th percentile): The center value of the total distribution of the data that was reported (e.g., it is the value at which 50% of the responses are above and 50% are below). This measure is less likely than an average to be distorted by a few outlying responses. Lower Quartile (or 25th Percentile): The observation point below which 25% of the responses lie (e.g., 25% of the respondents reported a figure less than this amount and 75% a figure higher than this amount). Upper Quartile (or 75th Percentile): The observation point below which 75% of the responses lie (e.g., 75% of the respondents reported a figure less than this amount and 25% a figure higher than this amount). 43 of 63