Some of the notable advantages and disadvantages of median can be expressed as follows:
Advantages/Merits Of Median
1. Easy And Simple
Median can be calculated with little mathematical knowledge. Sometimes it can be determined simply by inspection also. So, it is a simple and easy method to obtain the middle value of the series.
2. Unaffected By Extreme Values
Median is the middle value of the series, so it is not affected by the extreme value like mean.
3. Graphical Representation
Median can be easily represented graphically.
4. Suitable For Open End Distribution
Median can be correctly calculated for open end distribution where mean cannot obtain accurate result.
Median can be used for qualitative phenomenon such as beauty, honesty, intelligence etc.
6. Further Study
Median can be used for the purpose of further studies also.
Also Read:
1. Tedious Process
While calculating median, all the data should be arranged in ascending or in descending order. In case of large number of items, it becomes tedious and time consuming.
2. Unsuitable For Even Observation
Median provides correct result in case of odd observation. When the number is observation is even it fails to obtain accurate result.
3. Unsuitable For Algebraic Treatment
It is not applicable for further algebraic calculation.
4. Unsuitable For Fraction And Percentage
If the data of observation in a series is in fraction or in percentage, it becomes complicated to compute correct median.