Measurement Scale

David J. Hand,

David J. Hand

Imperial College London, London, UK

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David J. Hand,

David J. Hand

Imperial College London, London, UK

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 15 July 2005

https://doi.org/10.1002/0470011815.b2a09027

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Abstract

The measured variables analyzed in statistics are reflections of aspects of the system being studied. As such, the relationships between values of the variables must reflect properties of the attributes being studied. Different types of measurement scale, amongst which the most familiar are nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio, reflect different properties of the attributes. Incorrect conclusions can be drawn if a statistical analysis fails to take appropriate account of this relationship between the objects of study and their numerical representations.

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