Scales of Measurements

 

Scales of Measurements

In Statistics, the variables or numbers are defined and categorised using different scales of measurements. Each level of measurement scale has specific properties that determine the various use of statistical analysis.

Levels of Measurements

There are four different scales of measurement. The data can be defined as being one of the four scales. The four types of scales are:

  • Nominal Scale
  • Ordinal Scale
  • Interval Scale
  • Ratio Scale

Nominal Scale

A nominal scale is the 1st level of measurement scale in which the numbers serve as “tags” or “labels” to classify or identify the objects. A nominal scale usually deals with the non-numeric variables or the numbers that do not have any value.

Characteristics of Nominal Scale

  • A nominal scale variable is classified into two or more categories. In this measurement mechanism, the answer should fall into either of the classes.
  • It is qualitative. The numbers are used here to identify the objects.
  • The numbers don’t define the object characteristics. The only permissible aspect of numbers in the nominal scale is “counting.”

Example:

An example of a nominal scale measurement is given below:

What is your gender?

M- Male

F- Female

Here, the variables are used as tags, and the answer to this question should be either M or F.

Ordinal Scale

The ordinal scale is the 2nd level of measurement that reports the ordering and ranking of data without establishing the degree of variation between them. Ordinal represents the “order.” Ordinal data is known as qualitative data or categorical data. It can be grouped, named and also ranked.

Characteristics of the Ordinal Scale

  • The ordinal scale shows the relative ranking of the variables
  • It identifies and describes the magnitude of a variable
  • Along with the information provided by the nominal scale, ordinal scales give the rankings of those variables
  • The interval properties are not known
  • The surveyors can quickly analyse the degree of agreement concerning the identified order of variables

Example:

  • Ranking of school students – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.
  • Ratings in restaurants
  • Evaluating the frequency of occurrences
    • Very often
    • Often
    • Not often
    • Not at all
  • Assessing the degree of agreement
    • Totally agree
    • Agree
    • Neutral
    • Disagree
    • Totally disagree

Interval Scale

The interval scale is the 3rd level of measurement scale. It is defined as a quantitative measurement scale in which the difference between the two variables is meaningful. In other words, the variables are measured in an exact manner, not as in a relative way in which the presence of zero is arbitrary.

Characteristics of Interval Scale:

  • The interval scale is quantitative as it can quantify the difference between the values
  • It allows calculating the mean and median of the variables
  • To understand the difference between the variables, you can subtract the values between the variables
  • The interval scale is the preferred scale in Statistics as it helps to assign any numerical values to arbitrary assessment such as feelings, calendar types, etc.

Example:

  • Likert Scale
  • Net Promoter Score (NPS)
  • Bipolar Matrix Table

Ratio Scale

The ratio scale is the 4th level of measurement scale, which is quantitative. It is a type of variable measurement scale. It allows researchers to compare the differences or intervals. The ratio scale has a unique feature. It possesses the character of the origin or zero points.

Characteristics of Ratio Scale:

  • Ratio scale has a feature of absolute zero
  • It doesn’t have negative numbers, because of its zero-point feature
  • It affords unique opportunities for statistical analysis. The variables can be orderly added, subtracted, multiplied, divided. Mean, median, and mode can be calculated using the ratio scale.
  • Ratio scale has unique and useful properties. One such feature is that it allows unit conversions like kilogram – calories, gram – calories, etc.

Example:

An example of a ratio scale is:

What is your weight in Kgs?

  • Less than 55 kgs
  • 55 – 75 kgs
  • 76 – 85 kgs
  • 86 – 95 kgs
  • More than 95 kgs

 From, Byjus


Pankaj Mandape


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Course Options After 12th Humanities

Image
  Course Options After 12th Humanities Considered the most versatile career path, humanities , as a stream, has a storehouse of courses that one can pursue after completing their 12th.   Pursuing any of these degrees makes one adept to pursue a sensible approach to understand the varied level of humanities and thereby carve out a perfect career path . Students of humanities or arts stream have varied options to choose from, law, literature and linguistics, sociology, psychology, political science, among many others. Scope of Humanities After 12th Be it honing and facilitating the essential skills to appear in the most competitive government exams, or instilling professional job-oriented skills, humanities courses offer a wide spectrum of opportunities. From job roles like editor, multimedia specialist, digital marketing specialist, archivist, to roles like analyst, psychologist, data linguist, there are a varied array of job options available for students after completin...
Read more

How to avoid tobacco

Image
  How to avoid tobacco Avoiding tobacco can be challenging , but it is essential for maintaining good health . Here are some strategies that can help : 1.      Make a plan: Set a quit date and create a plan for how you will avoid tobacco. Identify the triggers that make you want to smoke or use other tobacco products and develop strategies to avoid or manage them. 2.      Find support: Reach out to friends, family members, or a support group to help you stay on track. Having someone to talk to when you feel the urge to smoke can be a tremendous help. 3.      Use nicotine replacement therapy: Nicotine replacement therapy can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, and inhalers are available over-the-counter or with a prescription. 4.      Keep busy: Keeping your mind and body active can help take your mind off smoking. Find activities that you enjoy an...
Read more

The Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in India

Image
The Top 10 Most Beautiful Places   India is a country known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. As beauty is often a matter of personal preference. However, here are ten stunning places in India that are widely recognized for their natural beauty and cultural significance:   1. Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir:   Known as "Paradise on Earth," Kashmir is famous for its picturesque landscapes, serene lakes, and snow-capped mountains.   2. Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir:   A high-altitude desert region, Leh-Ladakh is surrounded by stunning mountains, pristine lakes, and ancient monasteries.   3. Rishikesh and Haridwar, Uttarakhand:   Located on the banks of the Ganges River, these twin towns are known for their spiritual significance, yoga retreats, and the beautiful Ganges ghats.   4. Hampi, Karnataka:   Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins, intricate temples...
Read more