Levels of Measurement in

Research Methodology
Nominal, Ordinal, Interval and Ratio

By: Banipreet Singh

Roll No. 23-303

Date: 20 th Feb 2024

Agenda

 Nominal

 Ordinal

 Interval

 Ratio

SAMPLE FOOTER TEXT 2

 Introduction
• Research methodology involves the systematic process of designing,
conducting, and analyzing research studies.

• An essential aspect of research methodology is understanding the levels of

measurement, which classify variables into distinct types based on their
properties.

• This presentation will explore the four main levels of measurement: nominal,
ordinal, interval, and ratio..

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Nominal
Variables

Categorical Data

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Nominal

 Nominal variables are categorical variables where data is organized into

categories that have no inherent order or ranking. They simply represent
different groups or labels. Nominal data is qualitative in nature and is
often used to classify or categorize information.

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Characteristics
 No inherent order: The categories of nominal variables cannot be arranged in a meaningful
sequence.

 Qualitative in nature: Nominal variables do not have numerical values but rather represent
labels or names for categories.

 Examples:

 Gender: Male, Female

 Marital Status: Single, Married, Divorced

 Types of Cars: Sedan, SUV, Truck

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Ordinal Variables

Categorical Data

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Ordinal

 Ordinal variables also represent categories, but unlike nominal variables,

these categories have a natural order or ranking. The differences between
categories are not necessarily equal or quantifiable. Ordinal data is often
collected through survey responses that involve ranking or rating.

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Characteristics
 Order/Rank: The categories of ordinal variables have a meaningful order or ranking.

 Unequal intervals: The differences between categories may not be equal or

quantifiable.

 Examples:

 Educational Level: High School, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, Ph.D.

 Likert Scale Responses: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly

Disagree

 Socioeconomic Status: Low, Middle, High

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Interval Variables

Numerical Data

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Interval

 Interval variables are quantitative variables where the intervals between

consecutive points on the scale are equal. However, these variables do not
have a true zero point, meaning zero does not indicate the absence of the
variable being measured. Interval data is often used in measuring time,
temperature, or calendar dates.

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Characteristics
 Equal intervals: The differences between consecutive points on the scale are
equal.

 No true zero point: The zero point on the scale is arbitrary and does not
represent the absence of the variable.

 Examples:

 Temperature (Celsius or Fahrenheit)

 Calendar Dates

 IQ Scores
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Ratio Variables

Numerical Data

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Ratio

 Ratio variables are quantitative variables similar to interval variables, but

they have a true zero point, indicating the absence of the variable being
measured. Ratio data allows for meaningful mathematical operations such
as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Common examples
include measurements of height, weight, time, and income.

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Characteristics
 Equal intervals: Like interval variables, the differences between consecutive points on
the scale are equal.

 True zero point: Zero on the scale represents the absence of the variable being measured.

 Examples:

 Height

 Weight

 Time

 Income

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Table
This table helps in understanding the distinctions between the different levels of measurement, aiding researchers in
selecting appropriate statistical techniques and interpreting data accurately.

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Summary

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Thank you

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