Level of Measurement

Synonyms

Scale of measurement; Taxonomy of data/variables; Steven's classification system

Definition

The level of measurement of a variable is a classification proposed in order to describe the nature of information contained within numbers assigned to objects or subjects, therefore within the variable. It refers to the degree to which characteristics of the data may be modeled mathematically. The most frequently used classification of measurement scales in biostatistics is one defined by Stevens, who proposed four level of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. Each involves different properties (relations and operations) of the numbers or symbols that constitute the measurements as well as a set of permissible transformations. The nominal scale (or Level of Measurement) only classifies or categorizes values of the variable. The ordinal scale...