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Variables Scales of Measurement

This document discusses different types of variables and scales of measurement used in quantitative research. It defines independent and dependent variables and describes discrete and continuous variables. It then explains the four main scales of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales. Examples are provided to illustrate the key characteristics and appropriate uses of each scale of measurement.

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162 views18 pages

Variables Scales of Measurement

This document discusses different types of variables and scales of measurement used in quantitative research. It defines independent and dependent variables and describes discrete and continuous variables. It then explains the four main scales of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales. Examples are provided to illustrate the key characteristics and appropriate uses of each scale of measurement.

Uploaded by

katie
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ED883AP: Quantitative

Design & Statistical


Concepts
Dr. Angela M. DeSilva Mousseau
Variables & Scales of
Measurement
Variables in Quantitative Research
Independent Variable: The variable we “control” and
examine its influence on the dependent variable.
 Predictor Variable

Dependent Variable: The variable we measure to see


the effects of the independent variable.
 Criterion/Outcome Variable
Variables in Quantitative
Qu Research
Discrete Variables: Variables that have well-defined
finite sets of possible values and do not have an
inherent order.
 Categorical Variables
 “Buckets”

Continuous Variables: Variables that can take on any


value between its minimum value and its maximum
value.
 “Rulers”
Categorizing Variables
Scales of Measurement: NOIR
 NOMINAL
 ORDINAL
 INTERVAL
 RATIO
Variables & Measurement Scales
Nominal Scales: Different groups can only be
categorized based on names/labels.
 Frequencies are the only numbers that can be used to describe
variables measured with this scale.
 Gender
 Eye color
 Profession
 Religious Orientation
 Ethic Background
Variables & Measurement Scales
Ordinal Scales: Items are classified according to
whether they have more or less of a characteristic.
 The order matters, but not the difference between values.
 Rank (1st, 2nd) comparisons
 Relative quantity (greater, faster) comparisons.
 How would you rate the service of our wait-staff?
 How much pain are you in, on a scale of 1-10?
 How many stars would you give this movie?
Variables & Measurement Scales
Interval Scales: Equal units along interval; one unit on
the scale represents the same magnitude on the trait or
characteristic being measured across the whole range of
the scale.
 Can say if something is greater by the number of units but not by
relatively how much because there is no absolute zero point.
 It is not possible to make statements about how many times higher one score
is than another.

How Much Do You Love Statistics?


I’d rather swallow a hornet
More than life itself

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Variables & Measurement Scales
Ratio Scales: Measurement that enables both precise
and relative units of comparison due to the availability
of an absolute zero point
 Absolute ‘zero’ point is necessary for relative difference
comparisons.
 Age
 Income
 Years of participation
What Type of Measurement Scale?
What is your education level?

1- High School or lower


2- Some College
3- College Graduate
4- Some Graduate School
5- Master's Degree
6- Doctorate
What Type of Measurement Scale?
How many children do you have?

I don’t have any children

I have one child

I have two children

I have three children

I have four children

I have five children

Other: I have ______ children


What Type of Measurement Scale?
What is your marital status? (Select one)

Single
Living with Partner
Married
Divorced
Separated
Widowed
What Type of Measurement Scale?
How many hours a day do you spend on a computer?

24
What Type of Measurement Scale?
Rank the candidates in order from best to worst:

Obama

Romney

Biden

Ryan
What Type of Measurement Scale?
What is your occupation?

Doctor

Lawyer

Teacher

Small Business Owner

Other
What Type of Measurement Scale?
The customer care representative was helpful.

Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly

Disagree Agree

1 2 3 4 5
What Type of Measurement Scale?
Please rank the following the following vegetables from
best (1) to worst (5):

Broccoli
Carrots
Potatoes
Arugula
Spinach

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