ABSTRACT
The amount of variability in a distribution is a very important feature of a distribution. It's so important, in fact, that it has multiple names, like dispersion or spread. The standard deviation (SD) is a yardstick for measuring variability in a distribution. The AVS [Asian Values Scale] uses a modified Likert-type scale in which strongly disagree, moderately disagree, mildly disagree, neither agree nor disagree, mildly agree, moderately agree, and strongly agree. The six Asian cultural values themes explored were collectivism, conformity, emotional self-control, family recognition, filial piety, and humility. Using the AVS as a continuous scale, scores for level of adherence to Asian values can range from 36 to 252; those with lower scores demonstrate a lower adherence to Asian values, whereas those with higher scores demonstrate a higher adherence. In a normal distribution, 34" of cases are within one standard deviation above the mean and 34" are within one standard deviation below the mean.
