RESEARCH METHODS: types of data

• What is discrete data?

  Data that can only have individual whole values
• Give an example of discrete data.

  Number of pages in a book
• What is continuous data?

  Data that can take any value in a range, including fractions and decimals
• Provide an example of continuous data.

  Height
• What are the levels of measurement in data?

  • Nominal: categories (lowest/simplest)
  • Ordinal: ordered scores from highest to lowest
  • Interval: measurements with a unit (e.g. kg, cm) (highest/complex)
• What is nominal data?

  Data that consists of categories
• How does ordinal data differ from nominal data?

  Ordinal data can be ordered from highest to lowest
• What is interval data?

  Measurements that have a unit, such as kg or cm
• What factors should you consider when deciding on a graph/chart type?

  • The purpose of the graph/chart
  • Whether the data is discrete or continuous
  • The level of measurement: nominal, ordinal, or interval