Deviation vs. Standard Deviation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 25, 2024
Deviation refers to the difference between an individual value and a reference point, while standard deviation measures the spread of a set of values around their mean.
Key Differences
Deviation in statistics represents the distance of an individual data point from a certain reference value, often a mean or median. Standard Deviation, on the other hand, is a statistical metric that quantifies the variation or dispersion of a set of data points.
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Feb 25, 2024
In the context of a data set, Deviation for each point is calculated without considering the other data points. Standard Deviation takes into account all deviations in the dataset, providing a comprehensive measure of spread.
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Feb 25, 2024
Deviation can be positive or negative based on whether the data point lies above or below the reference point. Standard Deviation, however, is always non-negative, as it is derived from the square root of the average of squared deviations.
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Feb 25, 2024
Deviation is a simpler concept, focusing on the distance of a single data point from a norm. Standard Deviation involves a more complex calculation but gives a more complete picture of data variability.
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Feb 25, 2024
Deviation is useful for understanding individual data points' positions relative to a central value. Standard Deviation is crucial for assessing the overall consistency or variability of the entire data set.
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Feb 25, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Difference between an individual data point and a reference value
Measure of spread of data points around their mean
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Calculation
Individual data point minus the reference value
Square root of the average of squared deviations from the mean
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Context of Use
Individual data point analysis
Analysis of the entire data set
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Deviation and Standard Deviation Definitions
Deviation
In behavior, deviation means straying from accepted standards.
His deviation from company policy led to disciplinary action.
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Standard Deviation
Standard Deviation measures data variability around the mean.
A high standard deviation indicates wide data spread.
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Deviation
Deviation refers to the act of deviating from a planned route.
The pilot's deviation from the course caused delays.
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Standard Deviation
It's a statistical tool for assessing data dispersion.
The standard deviation helped assess investment risk.
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Deviation
In mathematics, deviation is the difference from a fixed value.
The deviation of each number from the mean was calculated.
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Standard Deviation
It's used to compare data sets' variability.
Comparing standard deviations revealed which set was more consistent.
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Deviation
Deviation is the departure from the norm.
The deviation in temperature was unexpected.
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Standard Deviation
Standard Deviation determines data points' typical distance from the mean.
The standard deviation showed most values were close to the average.
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Deviation
In physics, deviation is the deflection of a wave or particle.
Light's deviation through a prism creates a spectrum.
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Standard Deviation
Standard Deviation quantifies the degree of data concentration.
A low standard deviation means data is closely clustered.
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Deviation
An instance of this
"We made so many deviations up and down lanes ... that I was quite tired, and very glad, when we saw Yarmouth" (Charles Dickens).
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Deviation
Divergence from an accepted idea, policy, or norm of behavior
"Freud, as the leader of a powerful new movement, could not bear much deviation from his own central ideas" (Joseph Epstein).
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Deviation
An instance of this; an abnormality or departure from a norm
"Vice was a deviation from our nature" (Henry Fielding).
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Deviation
Deflection of a compass needle caused by local magnetic influence, especially on a ship.
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Deviation
(Statistics) The difference, especially the absolute difference, between one number in a set of data and the mean of that set of data.
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Deviation
The act of deviating; wandering off the correct or true path or road.
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Deviation
The state or result of having deviated; a transgression; an act of sin; an error; an offense.
Mankind’s deviation from divine will
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Deviation
(aviation) A detour to one side of the originally-planned flightpath (for instance, to avoid weather); the act of making such a detour.
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Deviation
(contract law) The voluntary and unnecessary departure of a ship from, or delay in, the regular and usual course of the specific voyage insured, thus releasing the underwriters from their responsibility.
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Deviation
(Absolute Deviation) The shortest distance between the center of the target and the point where a projectile hits or bursts.
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Deviation
(statistics) For interval variables and ratio variables, a measure of difference between the observed value and the mean.
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Deviation
(metrology) The signed difference between a value and its reference value.
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Deviation
The act of deviating; a wandering from the way; variation from the common way, from an established rule, etc.; departure, as from the right course or the path of duty.
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Deviation
The state or result of having deviated; a transgression; an act of sin; an error; an offense.
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Deviation
The voluntary and unnecessary departure of a ship from, or delay in, the regular and usual course of the specific voyage insured, thus releasing the underwriters from their responsibility.
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Deviation
The difference between an expected value of an observation or measurement and the actual value.
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Deviation
A variation that deviates from the standard or norm;
The deviation from the mean
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Deviation
The difference between an observed value and the expected value of a variable or function
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Deviation
A turning aside (of your course or attention or concern);
A diversion from the main highway
A digression into irrelevant details
A deflection from his goal
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How is deviation used in statistics?
To understand the position of individual data points relative to a central value.
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Feb 25, 2024
What is deviation?
Deviation is the difference between a single data point and a reference value.
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Feb 25, 2024
Does a high standard deviation imply high variability?
Yes, it indicates data points are spread out over a wider range.
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What is the importance of standard deviation in data analysis?
It helps assess the overall variability or consistency of a data set.
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Does a low deviation mean data is consistent?
Not necessarily; it must be considered in context.
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Can deviation be negative?
Yes, if the data point is below the reference value.
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What does standard deviation measure?
It measures the spread of data points around their mean.
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Is deviation specific to statistics?
No, it can refer to any departure from a norm or standard.
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What does a small standard deviation indicate?
That data points are closely clustered around the mean.
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How is standard deviation calculated?
By taking the square root of the average of squared deviations from the mean.
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How does deviation differ from variance?
Deviation is about individual data points, while variance is the average of squared deviations.
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Does deviation always refer to a numerical value?
In statistics, yes, but it can also be a general term for difference.
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Is standard deviation the same across different datasets?
No, it varies based on data distribution.
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Can we compare deviations of two different data points?
Yes, but it's more meaningful in the context of the same dataset.
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Is deviation relevant in everyday situations?
Yes, it can describe any kind of departure from the usual.
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What can affect the value of standard deviation?
The spread and distribution of the data points.
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Why is understanding deviation important?
It helps in comprehending how far a data point is from the norm.
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Can standard deviation be used for all types of data?
It's most meaningful for ratio or interval data.
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Feb 25, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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