Introduction to Statistics I
Measurement Scale
Measurement scale consists of counting of number of units or parts of units displayed by objects and phenomena is measurement scale.
Different Types of Measurement scale:
1. Nominal Scale
2. Ordinal Scale
3. Interval Scale
4. Ratio Scale
Nominal Scale
It is the simples and lowest level of measurement scale . It is simply a system of assigning numbers or other symbols to objects or events to distinguish one from another in order to label them. The symbols or numbers have no numeric meaning. These numbers do not lend themselves to arithmetic procedures.
Ordinal Scale
The second and the lowest level of the ordered scale is the ordinal scale. It is the quantification of item by ranking. In this scale , the numerals are arranged in some order but the gaps between the positions of numerals are not made equal. In ascending or descending order, it indicates qualitative values.
Interval Scale
In addition of ordering the data, this scale uses equi distant units to measure the difference between the scores. It assumes data has equal intervals. This scale does not have absolute zero but only arbitrary zero. Interval scale is developed from ordinary scale.
Ratio Scale
Ratio scale is the ideal scale and extended form of interval scale. It is most powerful scale of measurement. It is most powerful scale of measurement. It possesses the characteristics of nominal , ordinal and interval scale. Ratio scale has absolute zero or true zero or natural zero of measurement.
Data
Data is the information which is useful for any kinds of research activity. It is the raw material for any kinds of inquiry/research.
Types of data are Primary data and Secondary data.
Difference between Primary Data and Secondary Data
| Primary Data | Secondary Data |
|---|---|
| Primary data are original because it is collected by investigator himself/herself. | Secondary data are original because it is collected by one and used by other. |
| Primary data collection is expensive. | Secondary data collection is less expensive than primary data. |
| Primary data are collected by direct interview and indirect interview method. | Secondary data are collected from published and unpublished sources. |
| They are collected as per requirement of investigator. | Secondary data might have been collected for different objectives. |
| Primary data are influenced by investigator biasness. | Secondary data are not influenced by investigators biasness. |
