LESSON 5- CLASSIFICATION OF VARIABLES AND SCALES OF MEASUREMENT (NOMINAL, ORDINAL, INTERVAL, RATIO)

Besides the types of variables we have discussed in lesson 4, Variables are also classified according to the role they play in a study and also based on the mathematical values that they take in a continuum. Thus we have experimental classification and mathematical classification. This lesson discusses the mathematical classification where variables are either classified as discrete or continuous. Discrete variables can only take whole numbers while continuous variables can take any value within a continuum, they do not have a minimum sized value. These two categories leads us to scales of measurement or in some books they are referred to as levels of measurement. Discrete variables are measured at nominal and ordinal scale or level. In this scale, numbers carry qualitative value meaning they are non-numeric. Continuous variables are measured at interval and ratio scale where numbers carry a quantitative value. Welcome to this lesson as we explore those classification and scales of measurement.
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[@basaikouceesay8131]

this video is very beneficial to me. it has simplified scale of measurements. thank you so much and keep up the good work

[@research-methods-class]

Most welcome. Access all the lessons on www.researchmethodsclass.com/research-methods-course/

[@evansawene458]

Class received Dr. Am following steadily.

[@DzidzaiChiripinda]

l actually learnt a lot from this well articulated video, thanks Dr.

[@research-methods-class]

Thank you for your kind words. Access all the lessons on www.researchmethodsclass.com/research-methods-course/

[@margaretkabue7822]

Your lesson are very clear. Thank you

[@georgeruheni7929]

Well articulated Daktari

[@fabihaashar]

Nice

[@research-methods-class]

Thank you. Access all the lessons on www.researchmethodsclass.com/research-methods-course/

[@research-methods-class]

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[@raymondomondiogodo3885]

This is a great class Daktari, well done and thank you.
Allow me to ask a question though, in the explanation of characteristics of measurable scale, you say that the minimum is zero. How about the negative values of temperature? For example -ve 10 degrees Celsius? Negative growth of the economy?
Secondly, in the Interval scale, you say the intervals are equal and measurable, for example 10 degrees to 20 degrees is a measurable difference of 10 degrees, but 20 degrees is not twice as hot as 10, could this be confusing? Kindly confirm because I believe that if the intervals are same and measurable, shouldn't the magnitudes show the same?
Thanks a lot for your classes, very informative and helpful.

[@research-methods-class]

Thank you Richard for your question and kind comments. I appreciate. When you talk about scales of measurement, they do two things: categorization and quantification (numerical measure) of variables i.e ways in which variables are categorized and quantified. The first two scales (nominal and ordinal; categorizes variables) while the last two (interval and ratio; quantifies variable). With interval scale, it has no absolute zero meaning that it does not start from absolute nothingness. For instance, is it possible to say zero economic growth? The answer is No. There may be growth whether on the positive or on the negative. Therefore, economic growth is measured at interval level.
In interval, since we are dealing with numbers, the interval is equal (this is to differentiate interval from ordinal where in ordinal, the levels/order is not equal). using the example you have used of temperature, you cannot say a difference of 10oC is twice as hot because you did not start from the same level. Hope this is clear. If not, don't hesitate to ask

[@raymondomondiogodo3885]

Thank you Mwalimu. I get the picture. Much appreciates
On a light note, Its Raymond....you said Richard. Thanks for the clarification.

[@research-methods-class]

@@raymondomondiogodo3885 So sorry Raymond. Next time i will not make that mistake

[@maggiegriswold7815]

Thank you. I look forward for more lessons. Well done Dr.

[@zacharymwangi6122]

Hi Dr. Very informative lesson

[@research-methods-class]

Glad you liked it

[@eng.millicentaloohhsc8196]

excellent job

[@research-methods-class]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@hubaaltraining]

Thank you Daktari.

[@research-methods-class]

You are most welcome

[@unicolescyber355]

Thanks Doc.

[@research-methods-class]

Any time

[@girmakusa6423]

Thank you Dr

[@research-methods-class]

Thank you too. Access all the lessons on www.researchmethodsclass.com/research-methods-course/

[@johnstonewaka29]

nice work

[@research-methods-class]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@adanmohamedhassan5088]

Thank you so much Daktari

[@research-methods-class]

You are most welcome

[@godwinmakokha6491]

Dr. Under measurements of scale does distance belong to Ratio scale??

[@research-methods-class]

Yes. Distance is ratio because you start counting from a true zero

[@godwinmakokha6491]

Thanks for clarifying Dr.

[@ahmedardoof8629]

how can I get the content that you are reading PLease ?

[@research-methods-class]

What do you mean? I'm teaching using my notes which are available free on UA-cam

[@lavenderanyango9366]

Kindly explain when to use scale and when to use ratio.

[@research-methods-class]

Hello Anyango. There are four scales of measurement: Nominal (which names), Ordinal (which orders), Interval (has no absolute zero), Ratio (has absolute zero). Nominal & ordinal exists in categories therefore they are categorical variables while interval and ration exist in numbers hence continuous or scale.

[@submit254]

When you say scale do you mean interval scale? @ Lavender

[@research-methods-class]

@@submit254 No, scale means interval and ratio scale

[@research-methods-class]

@@submit254 Scale means interval and ratio scale of measurement

[@thierryjohn1685]

Perfect