Level of Measurement: Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, and Ratio

In research and statistics, there are four levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. These levels of measurement describe the nature of the data being collected and the properties of the measurement scale used.

Nominal: The nominal level of measurement is the most basic level and is used to categorize data into discrete groups or categories. Nominal data are unordered and cannot be ranked or ordered in any meaningful way. Examples of nominal data include gender, race, and color.

Ordinal: The ordinal level of measurement is used to rank or order data into meaningful categories. Ordinal data are ordered but do not have a consistent unit of measurement. Examples of ordinal data include rankings, such as the order of finish in a race, or ratings, such as a rating on a scale of 1 to 10.

Interval: The interval level of measurement is used to measure data with a consistent unit of measurement, but there is no true zero point. Interval data can be ordered, and the difference between values is meaningful, but ratios cannot be calculated. Examples of interval data include temperature measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Ratio: The ratio level of measurement is the highest level and provides the most precise data. Ratio data have a true zero point and can be used to calculate ratios and proportions. Examples of ratio data include weight, height, and time.

In summary, the four levels of measurement are nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. Nominal data are categorical, ordinal data can be ranked, interval data have a consistent unit of measurement but no true zero point, and ratio data have a true zero point and can be used to calculate ratios and proportions.

Attitude Scaling Technique: Concept of Scale, Rating Scale Viz, Likert Scale

Attitude scaling techniques are used to measure people’s attitudes, opinions, or beliefs about a particular topic or issue. A scale is a set of items or questions used to measure an attitude or construct. There are different types of scales used in research, including rating scales and Likert scales.

Rating Scale: A rating scale is a type of attitude scaling technique that measures the degree to which a person agrees or disagrees with a statement. The scale can range from a few points to many points, and participants are asked to rate their agreement or disagreement with a statement. For example, a typical 5-point rating scale may include the following options: strongly disagree, disagree, neither agree nor disagree, agree, and strongly agree.

Likert Scale: A Likert scale is a type of rating scale that measures the degree of agreement or disagreement with a statement. Participants are asked to rate the extent to which they agree or disagree with a statement on a five- or seven-point scale. For example, a typical 5-point Likert scale may include the following options: strongly disagree, disagree, neither agree nor disagree, agree, and strongly agree. A Likert scale can also be used for a range of other attitude measurements, such as frequency or importance.

The primary difference between a rating scale and a Likert scale is that a Likert scale includes a neutral response option, while a rating scale does not. Additionally, a Likert scale usually uses a larger number of points, such as seven or nine, while a rating scale typically uses five points.

The primary difference between a rating scale and a Likert scale is that a Likert scale includes a neutral response option, while a rating scale does not. Additionally, a Likert scale usually uses a larger number of points, such as seven or nine, while a rating scale typically uses five points.

In summary, attitude scaling techniques are used to measure people’s attitudes, opinions, or beliefs about a particular topic or issue. A scale is a set of items or questions used to measure an attitude or construct. Rating scales and Likert scales are two types of attitude scaling techniques commonly used in research. A Likert scale includes a neutral response option and uses a larger number of points, while a rating scale does not include a neutral response and typically uses five points.