Definition› Used to distinguish among objects or used

for classification; used with categorical data.

Example› Assigning numbers on jerseys to athletes;

gender classification in research (1 = male, 2 = female).

Definition› Measurement scale to place people,

objects, or events in rank order; used with quantitative data.

› No information about differences between points on a scale.

Example› Class standing of college graduates.› Workforce grades

Definition› Equal distances between objects

representing equal differences; differences are meaningful.

Example› Fahrenheit scale: 10 point difference has

same meaning anywhere on scale. 20 to 30 degrees is a 10 point spread and so is 46 to 56.

Definition› Interval scale but with a true zero point;

ratios are meaningful.

Example› Length: 10 feet is twice as long as 5 feet.› Income: $50,000 is twice as much as

$25,000.

These results represent which type of scale of measurement?

A researcher asked people to rank their preference for types of household pets, with 1 as the most preferred and 4 as the least preferred; results are given below.

1 - Dogs 2 - Cats 3 - Birds 4 - Fish

These results represent which type of scale of measurement?

A researcher asked people to rank their preference for types of household pets, with 1 as the most preferred and 4 as the least preferred; results are given below.

1 - Dogs 2 - Cats 3 - Birds 4 - Fish

NOMINAL – numbers are being used for classification.

Thermometer A reads 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thermometer B reads 92 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using this scale of measurement we cannot accurately say Thermometer B reads twice as

warm as Thermometer A.

Thermometer A reads 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thermometer B reads 92 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using this scale of measurement we cannot accurately say Thermometer B reads twice as

warm as Thermometer A.

INTERVAL Scale – only the distances are equal.

Tree A is 36’ tall

Tree B is 72’ tall

Using this scale of measurement we can accurately say Tree B is twice as tall as Tree

A.

Tree A is 36’ tall

Tree B is 72’ tall

Using this scale of measurement we can accurately say Tree B is twice as tall as Tree

A.RATIO Scale – an absolute zero exists making

ratios meaningful.

Using this scale of measurement we can accurately say Susie was head of the class,

Bob was second, and Troy was third.

Using this scale of measurement we can accurately say Susie was head of the class,

Bob was second, and Troy was third.

ORDINAL Scale – placing students in rank order.