The coefficient of variation (CV) has been the most important statistic to determine the precision of experimental errors, but an even classification for guiding popcorn breeders is still lacking for popping expansion. The normality of data from 50 CVs was tested through the Shapiro-Wilk test, and the mean (m), median, standard deviation (SD), maximum and minimum values, asymmetry and kurtosis were all determined using the momentum method. The CVs were ranked as low [CV < (m - 1 SD)], moderate [(m - 1 SD) < CV < (m + 1 SD)], high [(m + 1 SD) < CV < (m + 2 SD)] and very high [CV > (m + 2 SD)]. In summary, these data were close to the normality because the slight and flattened curve was skewed to the right. The CV's mean was 11.08, the median was 11.94 and the standard deviation was 5.13%. Accordingly, values of CV < 5.95% are low, 5.95 < CV < 15.21% are moderate, 15.21 < CV < 20.34% are high, and CV > 20.34% are very high
Zea mays; dispersion measurement; genetic improvement; precision; accuracy
