The characteristics or qualities of the ideal measure are considered as criteria for verifying which

measure of central tendency is ideal. Hence, on the basis of these criteria, the following is a comparative
discussion of various measures of central tendency:

Arithmetic means possess almost all the properties of standard measurements. It has precise and clear
definition. It depends on all the values in the array. It is easy to understand and easy to calculate. It is
easy to apply arithmetic and algebraic procedures and is less affected by sampling variation. But the
main disadvantage of arithmetic mean is that it is influenced by marginal or extreme values.

The geometric mean is dependent on all the values in the data series. Mathematical and algebraic
processes can be easily applied to it. It is not affected by extreme values even if it is less affected by
sample variation. The main disadvantage of the geometric mean is that it is not easily determined. A
good knowledge of logarithms is required to determine this. It cannot be evaluated if any value in the
array is null or negative.

Harmonic mean depends on all values of the data series. It can easily apply arithmetic and algebraic
processes; it is less affected by extreme values. The main disadvantage of harmonic mean is that it is not
straightforward and cannot be easily determined. It cannot be evaluated if any values in the array are
null.

Both the median and the mode are easy to understand and easy to calculate. They are not affected by
extreme values. But the definition of median and median is not clear. They do not depend on all values
of data series, not capable of further mathematical and algebraic treatment . They are more affected by
sampling variation.

From the above discussion it is clear that the arithmetic mean possesses most of the properties of
standard measurement and its disadvantages are negligible compared to its advantages. Hence the
arithmetic mean is said to be the best or standard measure of central tendency.