Levels of Measurement

1. Nominal Level

numbers or symbols are used simply to classify an

object, person, or characteristics into categories

the categories must be distinct, non-overlapping

and exhaustive

weakest level of measurement

 Levels of Measurement

1. Nominal Level
Examples:

Color of an individual’s hair Sex of child

• black • male

• grey • female

• red
• brown
 Levels of Measurement

2. Ordinal Level

contains the properties of the nominal level

the numbers assigned to categories of any variable

may be ranked or ordered in some low – to high
manner
 Levels of Measurement

2. Ordinal Level
Examples:

Socio-Economic Classification Size of T-shirt

• AB • Double extra large

• C • Extra Large

• DE • Large
• Medium
• Small
 Levels of Measurement

3. Interval Level

contains the properties of the ordinal level

the distances between any two numbers on the

scale are known sizes

characterized by a common and constant unit of

measurement
 Levels of Measurement

3. Interval Level

units of measurement are arbitrary

the number zero does not imply the absence of the

characteristic under consideration (thus, the zero
point is arbitrary)
Examples:
• Temperature in OC and OF
• Intelligence quotient (75, 100, 120, 150, etc.)
 Levels of Measurement

4. Ratio Level

contains the properties of the interval level

has a true zero point, that is, the number zero

indicates the absence of the characteristic under
consideration

strongest level of measurement

Examples:
• height in meters, feet, etc.
• weight in kilograms, pounds, etc.