A ratio variable is a variable that meets the criterion for an interval variable but also has a meaningful zero point. (p. 5) A discrete observation can take on only specific values (e.g., whole numbers); no other values can exist between these numbers. (p. 4) An interval variable is a variable used for observations that have numbers as their values; the distance (or interval) between pairs of consecutive numbers is assumed to be equal. (p. 4) A continuous observation can take on a full range of values (e.g., numbers out to several decimal places); an infinite number of potential values exists. (p. 4) A variable is any observation of a physical, attitudinal, or behavioral characteristic that can take on different values. (p. 4) An ordinal variable is a variable used for observations that have rankings (i.e., 1st, 2nd, 3rd) as their values. (p. 4) A nominal variable is a variable used for observations that have categories, or names, as their values. (p. 4) |