SCALE MEASUREMENT

By: CRAG, D.A.E.

SCALE MEASUREMENT
used to categorize and/or
quantify variables.
procedure for the assignment of
numbers in order to impart some
of the characteristics in relation
to the question (being surveyed).

SCALE MEASUREMENT
ways in which
variables/numbers are
defined and categorized.
determines the
appropriateness for use of
certain statistical analyses.

FOUR BASIC SCALING

PROPERTIES
Assignment
Order
Distance
Origin

FOUR SCALES OF MEASUREMENT

Nominal
Ordinal
Interval
Ratio

NOMINAL
Lowest form of measurement
Provide least number of data
Only satisfies the identity
property of measurement

NOMINAL

ORDINAL

Represents an ordered series

of relationships or rank order.
Each value has a unique
meaning, and it has an
ordered relationship to every
other value on the scale.

ORDINAL

INTERVAL
numeric scales in which we
know not only the order, but
also the exact differences
between the values.
measurement has the
properties of identity,
magnitude, and equal

INTERVAL

RATIO

similar to the interval scale,

it also represents quantity
and has equality of units

RATIO
Tell the exact unit (has an
absolute zero point)
Contains all of the information
of the previous 3 leves

SUMMARY
NOMINAL variables are used to
name, or label a series of
values.
ORDINAL scales provide good
information about the order of
choices, such as in a customer
satisfaction survey.

SUMMARY

INTERVAL scales give us the order of

values + the ability to quantify the
difference between each one.
RATIO scales give us the ultimateorder,
interval values, plus the ability to calculate
ratios since a true zero can be defined.

REMINDER

MAKE SURE you consider

carefully the level at which you
collect your data.

END
Thank you for listening