Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability
This topic covers tables, graphs, distributions, mean, median, range, standard deviation, probability, counting, sets, and interpreting quantitative information.
How to study for the GRE
Build every answer around the exact task: passage evidence, blank logic, argument structure, equation setup, units, data labels, and section-level timing.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability questions test reasoning under the current GRE General Test structure.
Exam cue: Name the question type, then mark the evidence, blank logic, argument role, equation, table label, or writing goal.
Concept 2
The best answer identifies the task, evidence, relationship, equation, quantity, or writing move before comparing choices.
Exam cue: Check scope, contrast words, quantifiers, units, graph labels, variable definitions, and whether the answer fits every condition.
Concept 3
Eliminate choices that add outside assumptions, reverse the relationship, ignore wording, misuse units, or answer a nearby but different task.
Exam cue: Use review time to verify the exact prompt, not just the topic that first looked familiar.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Choosing a familiar word, formula, or claim without testing it against the exact context.
Guardrail: Use a 15-second safety pause before finalizing your action.
Treating a GRE reasoning item like a memorization item rather than a task about relationships.
Guardrail: Use a 15-second safety pause before finalizing your action.
Skipping the final reasonableness check for passage support, sentence meaning, or quantitative scale.
Guardrail: Use a 15-second safety pause before finalizing your action.
Memory anchors
Mean
The mean is the sum of values divided by the number of values.
Median
The median is the middle value after sorting.
Range
The range is the maximum value minus the minimum value.
Standard Deviation
Standard deviation measures spread around the mean.
Probability
Probability compares favorable outcomes to possible outcomes under the stated conditions.
Counting
Counting methods depend on whether order matters and whether repetition is allowed.
Set
Set questions often use union, intersection, and complement relationships.
Graph Interpretation
Graph interpretation requires labels, units, and scale.
Distribution
A distribution shows how values are spread across categories or intervals.
Weighted Average
A weighted average accounts for different group sizes or weights.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
What is the mean of 4, 7, 9, 10, and 15?
What is the median of 12, 3, 8, 20, 9, and 10?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
What is Pass Harbor?
Completely free exam prep for 317 U.S. exams.
- Practice questions
- Flashcards
- Study guides
- Mock exams
- No registration
- No paywall
- Start instantly
“No more expensive exam prep. Quality study tools should be accessible to everyone.”