Which component is used to calculate standard scores?

The calculation of standard scores relies on raw scores and standard deviation. Standard scores, also known as z-scores, are derived by taking an individual’s raw score, subtracting the mean of the data set, and then dividing that by the standard deviation of the data set. This process standardizes the raw scores, allowing for comparisons across different sets of data.

Understanding this method is crucial because it highlights how far an individual score deviates from the average in terms of standard deviation units, giving valuable insights into relative performance within the context of the overall dataset. This calculation provides a clear and standardized way to interpret where a particular score stands in relation to the mean, thus enabling effective comparisons and statistical analysis.

The other options do not provide the correct components for standard score calculation. The mean and median, mean and mode, and variability and range each involve different statistical concepts that do not directly relate to the process of calculating standard scores.