Mode
The mode is the most frequently occurring value or category in a dataset. There may be one mode, several tied modes or no useful unique mode. It can describe categorical data for which an arithmetic mean is inappropriate. For grouped numerical data, the modal class identifies the interval with the greatest frequency under equal widths; unequal class widths require care about density. The mode is not necessarily close to the mean or median.
Worked example
Sizes sold areS,M,M,M,L,L andXL. M is the mode because it occurs three times. Assigning arbitrary numbers to the size labels and averaging them would not provide the same information.
Common mistake
Assuming every dataset has exactly one mode or taking the highest observed numerical value as the mode.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | MA | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FMA | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |