Intro., Scales of Measurement

Question 1

____________________ statistics are used to describe and summarize the data collected on a variable or the relationship between variables.

Answer 1

Descriptive.

Question 2

____________________ statistics are used to determine if obtained sample values can be generalized to the population from which the sample was drawn.

Answer 2

Inferential.

Question 3

A _________________ variable, at least theoretically, can take on an infinite number of values on the measurement scale. A _______________ variable can assume only a limited set of values.

Answer 3

• Continuous
• Discrete

Question 4

____________________ scales divide variables into unordered categories; the primary limitation is that the only mathematical operation that can be performed on the obtained data is to count the frequency (number) of cases in each category. Examples: Gender, religion, political affiliation, place of birth.

Answer 4

Nominal.

Question 5

An __________________ scale divides observations into categories and provides information on the order of those categories. When using this scale, it is possible to say that one person has more or less of the characteristic being measured than another person. Example: Ranks and ratings on Likert scales.

Answer 5

Ordinal.

Question 6

An ______________ scale has the property of order and equal intervals between successive points on the measurement scale. However, the “0” point (if it exists) is arbitrary, not absolute.

Answer 6

Interval.

Question 7

A _____________ scale is the most mathematically complex of the four scales; it has order, equal intervals, and an absolute zero point.

Answer 7

Ratio.