Measurement Scales

  • Variables must have 1 or more levels, either quantitatively or qualitatively measured

Nominal Scales (Categories) – Variables qualitatively different from one another

e.g., Gender, eye colour

Ordinal Scales – Scales that involve order, ranking levels of variable

e.g., Birth order, finish places in race

  • Clear order/hierarchy in ranking
  • Not sensitive to absolute different in position

Interval Scales – Makes use of real numbers, designate real amounts, reflect real differences in magnitude

  • Separated by equal intervals, but no absolute zero (absence of measured variable)
  • Cannot form ratios

Ratio Scales – With absolute zero to indicate absence of variables being measured

  • Can form ratios with true zero
    e.g., 110 kg is 10% heavier than 100 kg
  • Cannot have negative values

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