A study reports: mean hemoglobin = 11.2 g/dL, median = 10.8 g/dL, mode = 10.5 g/dL. Which of the following best describes the distribution of this data?
- A Symmetrical (normal) distribution
- B Positively skewed distribution ✓
- C Negatively skewed distribution
- D Bimodal distribution
Correct answer: B. Positively skewed distribution
Explanation
When mean > median > mode, the distribution is positively (right) skewed — the tail extends toward higher values, pulling the mean upward. In a normal distribution, mean = median = mode. In a negatively skewed (left-skewed) distribution, mode > median > mean, as the tail extends toward lower values. The pattern shown (mean 11.2 > median 10.8 > mode 10.5) is classic positive skew. This has practical implications: in skewed distributions, the median is a more appropriate measure of central tendency than the mean.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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