Question

The first four deviations from the mean in a sample of reaction times were .3,
.9, 1.0, and 1.3. What is the fifth deviation from the mean? Give a sample for
which these are the five deviations from the mean.

Answer 1

The sum of deviations from the mean has to be 0.

Let x= 5th deviation.

0.3 + 0.9 + 1.0 +1.3 + x = 0

3.5 + x = 0

x = -3.5

Answer: -3.5

Let the example have a mean of 5. Thus, adding 1 to the deviations.

Answer: 5.3, 5.9, 6.0, 6.3, 2.5.