Statistics: To replicate a result I need 2 get the observations' deviation from the mean. How do I do it?

I am trying to replicate Robert Barro's results in his 1991 Economic Growth in a Cross Section of Countries paper. I have had problems with the deviation of PPP of investment. I don't know if I am just supposed to obtain the plain difference between the country's value and the sample mean or if this involves more extensive calculation.

Statistics: To replicate a result I need 2 get the observations' deviation from the mean. How do I do it?
Hi there,


from experience of my social research statistics completed last year, my personal opinion would be to obtain the difference between the value and the mean but show how you arrived at your observations. The standard deviation would be the amount of variability amongst the numbers in the data set. As implied, it is standard or typical amount of deviation (distance) from the average (mean). The standard deviation is also used to describe where most of the data should fall compared to the average. I think as a rule of thumb involving statistics, may be best to state your points and back it up with research and calculations. You should not lose marks for putting too much info, but you may for putting too little (obviously word limit would need to be taken into account). Good luck.