Primary Measurement Scales

Nominal
Ordinal
Interval
Ratio
• This scale uses numbers or letters to identify objects.
• It helps to segregate data into different mutually exclusive categories.
• The number used for categories do not stand for any quantitative value
and can not be used for mathematical calculation.
• A nominal scale variable is classified into two or more categories. In this
measurement mechanism, the answer should fall into either of the classes.
• It is qualitative. The numbers are used here to identify the objects.
• The numbers don’t define the object characteristics. The only permissible
aspect of numbers in the nominal scale is “counting.”
Example
• Occupation: 1-Public sector, 2- Private sector, 3- Self employed, 4-
Unemployed, 5- Others
Ordinal Scale
• The ordinal scale shows the relative ranking of the variables
• It identifies and describes the magnitude of a variable
• Along with the information provided by the nominal scale,
ordinal scales give the rankings of those variables
• The interval properties are not known.
Examples
• Ranking of school students – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.
• Ratings in restaurants
• Please rank the following mobile telephone service providers from 1
to 5 with 1 representing the most preferred and 5 the least preferred.
Airtel, Idea, BSNL, Reliance
Interval Scale
• The interval scale is quantitative as it can quantify the
difference between the values
• It allows calculating the mean and median of the variables
• To understand the difference between the variables, you can
subtract the values between the variables
• The interval scale is the preferred scale in Statistics as it helps
to assign any numerical values to arbitrary assessment such as
feelings, calendar types, etc.
• Example: The example of interval scales are Fahrenheit and Celsius
scales used to measure temperature. In these scales the difference
between the intervals is the same i.e the difference between 20 and
40 degree C is the same as the difference between 15 and 35. but the
base point, freezing of water is represented by 0 .
Ratio Scale
• Ratio scale has a feature of absolute zero
• It doesn’t have negative numbers, because of its zero-point
feature
• It affords unique opportunities for statistical analysis. The
variables can be orderly added, subtracted, multiplied, divided.
Mean, median, and mode can be calculated using the ratio
scale.
• Ratio scale has unique and useful properties. One such feature
is that it allows unit conversions like kilogram – calories, gram
– calories, etc.
Data and Collection of Data
• Data

• Collection of Data

• Types of data
• Secondary Data
• Primary Data
• Secondary data: Data which are not originally collected but obtained
from published resources and statistically processed are known as
secondary data.

• Merits:
• 1. Collection is less costly as data is already available.
• 2. It is faster to collect
• 3. It provides valuable inputs and can be used for exploratory research.
• 4. It provides a base on which further information can be collected.
• Demerits:
• 1. It may be collected for the different purpose (objectives). In this case it
may mislead while using the data.
• 2. Old data not updated
• 3. The accuracy of the secondary data as well as its reliability would depend
on it source.
• 4. Some time, locating appropriate sources and getting access can be time
consuming
Characteristics of Secondary Data
• Secondary data should be used with due precaution.
• Reliability of Data:
• Who is collecting and for of resources
• What methodology has been used while collecting data
• Purpose for which data were originally collected.
• Suitability of Data:
• Adequacy of the Data:
Primary Data
• It is first hand data.
• Primary data is collected directly from respondents using data collection methods like survey interviews,
questionnaires, measurements, direct observation, or tabulation.
• Here the researcher is directly involved in the collection of information required to answer the research
questions.

• Merit:
• Information according to requirement.
• Update information
• Demerit: Time, Cost,