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How to Classify Different Types of Data
Objective: Learn how to classify different types of data
Keywords and Concepts
1. Different types of data 6. Nominal data
2. Quantitative data 7. Ordinal data
3. Qualitative data 8. Interval data
4. Discrete data 9. Ratio data
5. Continuous data
Most data consist of numbers (e.g., body weight, run time), while other data are
nonnumerical (e.g., gender). The term quantitative and qualitative data distinguish
these two types of data, respectively. Quantitative data can further be distinguished as
discrete or continuous. Discrete numerical data result from either a finite number of
possible values or a countable number of possible values (i.e., exact counts). Continuous
numerical data result from infinitely many possible values that can be associated with
points on a continuous scale in such a way that there are no gaps or interruptions. The
number of people that play professional baseball are discrete data as are golf scores
because they represent exact counts; in contrast, distance, force, and time represent
continuous numerical data.
• Discrete data come from either a finite number of possible outcomes or a
countable number of possible values (the number of possible values is 0, or
1, or 2, and so on).
• Continuous (numerical) data come from infinitely many possible values
associated with points on a continuous scale (depending on the precision of
the measuring device) without gaps or interruptions.
Four Scales Of Data
Data can be grouped into one of four categories or scales: nominal, ordinal,
interval, and ratio.
How to Classify Different Types of Data Page 2
Nominal Data
Nominal scales consist of mutually exclusive categories without qualitative
differentiation between categories. Data consisting of names, labels, or categories serve
as examples. Nominal data cannot be arranged in an ordering scheme (e.g., lowto
high). Some nominal scales have only two categories such gender (male or female) or
yes or no. Other nominal data include more than two categories such as political
parties. Remember, associate the term nominal with “name only”.
Ordinal Data
Ordinal data can be arranged in some order, but differences between data values
either cannot be determined or are meaningless. Placement on a ladder tournament is
an example of ordinal data. The person on top of the ladder has performed better than
the person ranked second, but there is no indication of how much better. Rankings of
Olympic competitors represents another example of ordinal data, yet differences
between ranks 2 and 3 make little sense expect to order the individuals. With ordinal
data, the ordering says nothing about ability or differences between ranks other than
they are different.
Interval Data
Interval data resemble ordinal data, with the additional property of indicating
meaningful differences (equal units or intervals) among the data points. With interval
data, no inherent (natural) zero starting point exists where none of the quantity is
present. The Fahrenheit temperature scale represents an example of an interval scale
(e.g., temperatures of 98.2°F and 98.6°F are interval data). Such values are ordered and
one can determine their difference despite no natural starting point to the scale. The
value of 0°F might seem like a starting point, but it is arbitrary and does not represent
the condition of “no heat.” Other examples of interval data include average annual
temperatures of the western U.S; the years 1492, 1550, and 2002; (time did not begin in
the year zero, so the year is arbitrary instead of having a natural zero starting point.)
How to Classify Different Types of Data Page 3
Ratio Data
Ratio data represents the interval data scale modified to include an inherent zero
starting point where zero indicates that none of the quantity is present. With ratio data
the scale is based on an ordered structure, has equal distance between scale points, and
uses zero to represent absence of the value. All units are equidistant from each other,
and proportional or ratio comparisons are appropriate. All measures of distance, force,
or time are based on a ratio scale. A negative score cannot exist on a ratio scale; a person
cannot run a race in negative seconds, weigh less than zero pounds, or score negative
points in golf or basketball.
Summary
Table 1 summarizes the different levels of measurement.
Table 1. Levels of Measurement of Data.