In a dataset of serum cholesterol values, the mean is 220 mg/dL, median is 205 mg/dL, and mode is 195 mg/dL. The distribution is:
- A Normal (Gaussian)
- B Positively skewed ✓
- C Negatively skewed
- D Bimodal
Correct answer: B. Positively skewed
Explanation
When mean > median > mode, the distribution is positively (right) skewed, with the tail extending toward higher values and the mean pulled upward by a few extremely high values. In a normal distribution, mean = median = mode coincide. Positive skew is common in biological data such as cholesterol and triglyceride levels, where rare individuals with very high values distort the mean.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.