MEASUREMENT SCALES
What are Variables and Measurements
Variables: Characteristics that can take on
different values for different members of a
group. For example height
Measurements: “Assignment of numbers to
Characteristics (variables) of objects, persons
or events.”
In statistics and quantitative research
methodology, levels of measurement are
developed by the psychologist Stanley
Smith Stevens.
IMPORTANCE OF MEASUREMENT
• Research conclusions are only good
when the measurements are accurate on
which they are based.
• The more precise , sensitive the
method of measurement, the better are
the results.
Stevens (1946) classified variables into four levels.
These are referred to as level of measurement, or levels of data.
1. Nominal
2. Ordinal
3. Interval Scale
4. Ratio Scale
Ratio Absolute zero
Interval Distance is meaningful
Attributes can be ordered
Ordinal
Nominal Attributes are only named; weakest
Nominal scale
The nominal type scale, sometimes
also called the qualitative type that
differentiates between items or
subjects only on the basis their
names or categories or qualities.
Examples include gender,
nationality, language,
style, and biological
species.
Nominal scale
A nominal scale
represents lower
level of
measurement.
Such scales
classifies persons
or objects in to two
or more categories.
Nominal scale
Assignment of • Example: Country of Origin
numbers to the
categories has
no mathematical • 1 = United States 3 = Canada
meaning like • 2 = Mexico 4 = Other
However, in this case, it is important to keep in
mind that the numbers do not have intrinsic
meaning
Ordinal scale
An ordinal scale not only classifies subjects but
also ranks them in terms of the degree to which
they possess a characteristics of interest. An
ordinal scale indicates relative position.
Ordinal scale can determine whether an object has
more or less of a characteristic than some other
object. The exact measurement is not available like
student A is taller than student B but their actual
heights are not available.
It permits the researcher to rank or order
the respondents or their responses
Ordinal scale
The result of a horse Common
race, which says only example of
Example of an which horses arrived ordinal scale
first, second, or third include quality
ordinal scale: but include no ranking,
information about race socioeconomics
times. classes, and
occupational
status.
Interval scales Zero point on the
indicate order and interval scale is
also the distance arbitrary zero, it
in the order. does not means the
complete absence
of anything
interval scale
The difference in
temperature between 20
degrees F and 25
degrees F is the same
as the difference
between 76 degrees F
Examples and 81 degrees F
Temperatur
e Scale in
Fahrenheit.
interval scale
Interval scales allow
comparisons of the
differences of
magnitude (e.g. of
attitudes) but do not
allow determinations
of the actual strength
of the magnitude.
Ratio scale
This scale has a unique or
This is the highest level of
fixed beginning or true zero
measurement and has the
point. (complete absence
properties of other three
of the phenomenon being
levels.
measured)
Ratio scale
Weight (in grams) is
heart beats per
also a ratio variable.
minute has a very
Again, the zero value
For example natural zero point.
is meaningful, zero
Zero means no heart
grams means the
beats. absence of weight.
•
Criterion for the selection of
instruments
Criteria of selecting
instruments
include
Reliability and Validity
Is our measure Is our measure
reliable? valid?
For a research study to
be accurate, its findings
must be both reliable and
valid.
Criterion for the selection of
Reliability
instruments
Research means that the findings would be
consistently the same if the study were done
over again.
Validity
A valid measure is one that provides the information that it
was intended to provide. The purpose of a thermometer, for
example, is to provide information on the temperature, and
if it works correctly, it is a valid thermometer.
MCQ
• The rankings of teams in a tournament constitute a
_____ scale.
A.nominal
B.ordinal
C.interval
D.ratio
MCQ
• In business, sales, cost, market share, and number of customers are
variables measured on a _____ scale.
A. nominal
B. ordinal
C. interval
D. ratio
MCQ
• Which of these is NOT an example of a nominal scale?
A. Numbers on a football jersey
B. Numbers on pool balls
C. Gender
D. Exam grades
GUESS?????
• Rank the Celebrities on the basis of your
preference(1 means-Most Preferred and 5
means- Least Preferred
a. Shah Rukh Khan
b. Ajay Devgan
c. Hrithik Roshan
d. Shahid Kapoor
• Which of the following scales possess an
absolute zero?
A. Nominal scale
B. Ordinal scale
C. Interval scale
D. Ratio scale
• In which of the following scales can all
possible statistical techniques be applied?
A. Nominal
B. Ordinal
C. Ratio
D. Interval
Thank you
