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Lecture 2 Data, Variables Etc
Lecture 2 Data, Variables Etc
1. Nominal Scale
2. Ordinal Scale
3. Interval Scale
4. Ratio Scale
scale.
This makes it a higher level of measurement than the nominal scale because
the ordinal scale allows for the categorization of a variable and its relative
magnitude in relation to other variables.
One way to think about ordinal data is by using the concept of greater than or
less than, which incidentally also highlights the main weakness of ordinal
data.
Measurement Scales
Interval and ratio scales are the two types of metric measurement
scales, and are quantitative in nature.
Collectively, they represent the most sophisticated level of
measurement and lend themselves well to sophisticated and
powerful statistical techniques.
The interval scale of measurement builds on ordinal
measurement by providing information about both order and
distance between values of variables.
The numbers on an interval scale are scaled at equal distances, but
there is no absolute zero point.
Instead, the zero point is arbitrary.
Measurement Scales
measurement.
The properties of the ratio scale are identical to those of the interval scale,
except that the ratio scale has an absolute zero point, which means that
all mathematical operations are possible.
Measurement Scales
Ten dollars is 10 times more than 1 dollar, and 20 dollars is twice as much
as 10 dollars. If we have 100 dollars and give away half, we are left with 50
dollars, which is 50 times more than 1 dollar.
Ratio data is the highest level of measurement and allows for the use of
.
Conversion of Data From one Form into Another
Quantitative Data can be converted into Categorical Data using “Cut Off
Values”.
B.P ≤ 90 mm Hg marked as 1
B.P ≥ 90 mm Hg marked as 2
Tall (≥ 65 Inch) 3
True/Absolute No No No Yes
Zero
Quality of Data
It tells us how the data is free from Error, when it was collected
from Patients.
Incomplete history provided by the patient.
Incorrect Diagnosis.
The main sources for collection of medical or health related data are
as:-
1. Experiments/Trials
2. Surveys/Observations
3. Record/Registration
4. Clinical Practices
5. External Sources
No. 1 and 2 are specially applied to gather data required for some
specific purposes but No. 3 provides ready made data for routine
and continuous information.
Sources of Data
Clinical Practice:- is a source of medical data, like taken during medical history,
present symptoms etc, If the effectiveness of a certain drug is determined under
controlled condition and patients are involved then this practice is called Clinical
Trial.
External Sources:- data from sources other than the medical like environment
department, weather bureau etc.
Collection of Data in Surveys
It can be collected as
6. Electronic Media
Collection of Secondary Data
2. Semi-Government Offices
3. Newspapers
4. Universities
5. Technical/Trade/Economic/Commercial Journals.
Some Common Statistical Terms