Levels of Measurement

Описание: Are you confused by the different scales used in statistics? In this video, we provide a simple explanation of the four levels of measurement: Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, and Ratio,. Understanding these levels is essential for any researcher or student because the level of measurement for your data directly impacts which statistical tests you can and cannot use. If you use the wrong test for your data type, you will end up with meaningless results.
What You Will Learn:
• Categorical vs. Numerical Data: We start with the basics by distinguishing between categorical data (qualitative characteristics like gender or favorite color) and numerical data (quantitative values like height or age)
• Nominal Data: Learn about the most basic level of measurement, which describes categories with no inherent rank or order
• Ordinal Data: Understand how these categories "kick things up a notch" by introducing a meaningful order or rank, even though you cannot numerically measure the differences between them
• Interval Data: We dive into numerical data where the order matters and distances are equal, but the zero point is arbitrary (like Fahrenheit or Celsius)
• Ratio Data: Discover the "king" of measurement levels, which features an absolute, meaningful zero point, allowing you to calculate ratios (like weight, height, or time)

Key Takeaways:
• Nominal: Labels only, no order.
• Ordinal: Labels and meaningful order, but no measurable difference.
• Interval: Labels, order, and measurable differences, but no true zero.
• Ratio: Labels, order, measurable differences, and a true zero starting point.