What does a large standard deviation indicate about a group's scores?

A large standard deviation indicates that there is a wide spread of scores in the distribution. This means that the scores vary significantly from the mean, or average, of the group. When the standard deviation is large, it reflects greater variability within the dataset, showing that some scores are much lower or much higher than the average score. This variability is important in understanding the distribution of scores, as it indicates how diverse the data is and can affect interpretations of performance, trends, or outcomes.

In contrast, a small standard deviation would suggest that scores are closer to the mean, indicating less variability and more homogeneity among the group's performance. Understanding the size of the standard deviation helps educators and researchers analyze performance levels effectively and determine areas that may require additional support or intervention.