Description: The Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) is a measure of variability that represents the average distance between each data point and the mean of a dataset. Unlike the standard deviation, which squares the differences to prevent negative values from canceling each other out, MAD takes the absolute value of the differences, providing a more intuitive representation of data dispersion. This measure is particularly useful in situations where a clear understanding of variability is desired without the influence of extreme values, as it is not affected by the direction of the differences. MAD is calculated by summing the absolute differences between each data point and the mean, and then dividing by the total number of data points. Its simplicity and ease of interpretation make it a valuable tool in statistical analysis, allowing researchers and analysts to effectively assess the consistency and variability of data.
