Statistical analysis

Question 1

Nominal data

Answer 1

classified into mutually exclusive groups or categories and lack intrinsic order. A zoning classification, social security number, and sex are examples of nominal data.

Question 2

Ordinal data

Answer 2

ordered categories implying a ranking of the observations. Even though ordinal data may be given numerical values, such as 1, 2, 3, and 4, the values themselves are meaningless. Only the rank counts. It would be incorrect to infer, for example, that 4 is twice 2, despite the temptation. Examples of ordinal data include letter grades, suitability for development, and response scales on a survey (e.g., 1 through 5).

Question 3

Interval Data

Answer 3

Interval data has an ordered relationship where the difference between the scales has a meaningful interpretation. The typical example of interval data is temperature, where the difference between 40 and 30 degrees is the same as between 30 and 20 degrees, but 20 degrees is not twice as cold as 40 degrees.

Question 4

Ratio Data

Answer 4

Ratio data is the gold standard of measurement, where both absolute and relative differences have a meaning. The classic example of ratio data is a distance measure, where the difference between 40 and 30 miles is the same as the difference between 30 and 20 miles, and in addition, 40 miles is twice as far as 20 miles.