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If someone asks for the median, you supply the median if possible. The assumption underlying the question is that it is difficult to calculate the median. In f
by wikfwikf 4y ago
If someone asks for the median, you supply the median if possible. The assumption underlying the question is that it is difficult to calculate the median.
In fact, in this case, it is not difficult.
Going back to a professional who has requested the median and asking them if they didn't actually want the mean is not a display of empathy. It is patronising. The gender of the stakeholder is perhaps of relevance here.
- mattkrause 4y agoI'm not sure I agree. You certainly shouldn't sneakily make the substitution. However, making a "client" aware of options and the associated trade-offs is very reasonable. Heck, I'd say it's the most professional approach to this problem! It may be that Mary just needed some measure of central tendency, and would be happier with the mean now versus the median in a week. Alternately, she might need the median specifically for some legally-mandated reporting, and only that will do. You'll never know if you don't ask.
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]
- alain94040 4y agoIf someone asks for the median, you supply the median if possible I wouldn't. I have seen first-hand so many projects that took weeks of efforts, because we assume the person making the requirements used perfect language, when they could have been done in a day instead. One word can be the entire difference. Maybe it happens to you in a big company: "the VP said '...'", so you must do exactly as the VP said. In practice, it turns out that the VP, just like Mary, could easily agree they didn't care if it's median or mean, they just need some number that summarizes the data. Understanding the customer is key.