In a data set, what does the term "range" refer to?

The term "range" in a data set refers to the difference between the highest and lowest values. This calculation provides a measure of how spread out the values are within the data set. To find the range, you simply subtract the smallest value from the largest value. For example, in a data set consisting of the numbers 3, 7, 2, and 10, the highest value is 10 and the lowest is 2. Thus, the range is 10 - 2, which equals 8. Understanding the range helps in grasping the variability and distribution of the data, giving a quick snapshot of the extent of values present.

The other terms described in the choices refer to different statistical concepts: the average denotes the sum divided by the number of values, the most frequently occurring number pertains to the mode, and the middle number in an ordered set defines the median. Each has a distinct meaning and usefulness in data analysis.