What does a frequency distribution summarize?

A frequency distribution summarizes how frequently each value occurs in a dataset. This statistical tool provides a clear picture of the data by organizing it into categories, often in the form of a table or histogram. Each category shows the number of times a particular value or range of values appears, allowing researchers to quickly identify patterns, trends, and the distribution of scores within the data.

For example, in psychological research, a frequency distribution can help in understanding the prevalence of certain behaviors or characteristics among participants. By analyzing the frequency of responses, researchers can glean insights about the population being studied, such as which responses were most common or how data points cluster around certain values. This base level of analysis is fundamental in statistics as it lays the groundwork for further analyses, such as calculating measures of central tendency or variability.