The Federal Bureau of Investigation classifies various larcenies. The data below represent the type of larcenies based on a random sample of 15 larcenies. What is the mode type of larceny? 

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: List all the types of larcenies from the sample to clearly see each occurrence. The types are: Pocket picking and purse snatching, Bicycles, From motor vehicles, From motor vehicles, From buildings, From buildings, Shoplifting, Motor vehicle accessories, From motor vehicles, Shoplifting, From motor vehicles, From motor vehicles, Pocket picking and purse snatching, From motor vehicles.
2. Step 2: Count the frequency of each type of larceny. For example, count how many times 'From motor vehicles' appears, how many times 'Shoplifting' appears, and so on for each category.
3. Step 3: Identify the type of larceny with the highest frequency. This type is the mode because the mode is defined as the value that appears most frequently in a data set.
4. Step 4: Verify your counts to ensure accuracy, especially for the most frequent category, to confirm the mode.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the mode type of larceny is the one with the greatest number of occurrences in the sample.

Key Concepts

Mode

The mode is the value that appears most frequently in a data set. It is a measure of central tendency useful for categorical data, such as types of larcenies. Identifying the mode helps determine the most common category or event in the sample.

Frequency Distribution

Frequency distribution is a summary of how often each category or value occurs in a data set. Organizing data into a frequency distribution allows easy identification of the mode and helps visualize the data's pattern or concentration.

Categorical Data

Categorical data represent variables that can be divided into distinct groups or categories, like types of larcenies. Unlike numerical data, categorical data require different statistical methods, such as mode and frequency counts, for analysis.