What does the mode of a dataset signify?

The mode of a dataset signifies the value that occurs most frequently within that dataset. When analyzing data, identifying the mode helps to understand which values are most common and may indicate trends or patterns in the data. For example, in a set of test scores where most students scored 85, that score represents the mode, indicating its prevalence among the results.

The other concepts presented in the choices address different measures of central tendency or variability. The average, often referred to as the mean, sums all data points and divides by the number of points, providing a central value. The middle value of ordered data corresponds to the median, which represents the midpoint when the data is arranged in ascending order. The range, defined as the difference between the highest and lowest values, describes the spread of the dataset. Thus, the mode stands out by emphasizing frequency rather than position or overall value calculations.