Step 1: Arrange data

List the given observations in ascending order: 3, 7, 7, 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 23.

$3, 7, 7, 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 23$

Step 2: Determine count

Count the number of observations $n$. Here, there are 9 numbers, so $n = 9$.

$n = 9$

Step 3: Apply median formula

Since $n$ is odd, the median is the value at the $\frac{n+1}{2}$ position.

$\text{Median} = \left( \frac{9+1}{2} \right) = 5^{th} \text{ position}$

Step 4: Identify value

Locate the 5th number in the ordered list: 3(1), 7(2), 7(3), 12(4), 14(5). The 5th value is 14.

$\text{Median} = 14$