Does the range of a data set get influenced by extreme scores?

The range of a data set is calculated as the difference between the highest and lowest values in that set. Therefore, extreme scores, which are significantly higher or lower values compared to the other data points, directly influence the range. When extreme scores are present, they can widen the gap between the minimum and maximum values, thus increasing the range. This is particularly relevant in data sets where outliers—values that fall far outside the norm—are present, as they can dramatically alter the highest and lowest points.

Option B suggests that the range is not influenced by extreme scores, which contradicts the very definition of how range is determined. Option C implies that only outliers affect the range, neglecting the fact that any extreme score, not just outliers, can impact the range. Option D indicates dependency on data distribution, but regardless of the distribution's shape, the extreme scores always influence the range calculation since range does not consider data distribution in its computation. Thus, the assertion that the range is influenced by extreme scores is indeed true.