Question

Identify the level of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio) for each of the following variables. Explain each of your answers.

a. Frequency (the number of times) of hand washing as a measure of people’s level of hygiene awareness (assuming that hand washing is a valid reflection of hygiene awareness and is not excessive).

b. Sound energy level of noise blasts (in decibels – a unit for measuring sound energy) administered to another person as a measure of aggressiveness (assuming administering a louder noise blast reflects a higher level of aggressiveness).

c. Numerals assigned to different kinds of exercises (e.g., 1 = walking, 2 = jogging, 3 = running) in order of energy consumption rates as a measure of exercise intensity level.

d. Amount of time students take to commute to school.

Answer 1

(a)

ratio level of measurement

Explanation:

Frequency of hand washing can take any value including 0.

(b)

ratio level of measurement

Explanation:

Sound energy level of noise blasts can take any value including 0.

(c)

Ordinal level of measurement

Explanation:

Numerals assigned to different kinds of exercises (e.g., 1 = walking, 2 = jogging, 3 = running) can be ranked as per intensity level.

(d)

ratio level of measurement

Explanation:

Amount of time can take any value including 0.