This document discusses different types of measurement scales used in quantitative research. It describes four main levels of measurement scales: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales. For each scale, it provides the key characteristics and examples to illustrate how variables are classified. The nominal scale simply categorizes variables, while the ordinal scale also ranks the categories. Interval and ratio scales indicate both the order and distances between categories, with the ratio scale uniquely having a true zero point. Other scales mentioned include dichotomous, category, semantic differential, Stapel, graphic rating, and forced choice scales.

1. Dr. Sarita Anand
Assistant Professor
Department of Education
Vinaya Bhavana (Institute of Education)
Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan
sarita.anand@visva-bharati.ac.in
Measurement Scales
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2. MEASUREMENT SCALES
A Scale is a tool or mechanism by which individuals are
distinguished as to how they differ from one another on the variables
of interest to our study.
In statistics and quantitative research methodology, levels of
measurement are developed by the psychologist Stanley Smith
Stevens.
Stevens (1946) classified variables into four levels. These
are referred to as level of measurement.
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3. Variables: Characteristics that can take on different
values for different members of a group. For example
height
Measurements: “Assignment of numbers to Characteristics
(variables) of objects, persons or events.”
What are Variables and Measurements
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4. SCALES
Nominal
Scale
Ordinal
Scale
Interval
Scale
Ratio
Scale
Levels
Absolute zero
Distance is
meaningful
Attributes can
be ordered
Attributes are
only named;
weakest
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5. • Example: Country of Origin
• 1 = United States
• 2 = Mexico
3 = Canada
4 = Other
Assignment of
numbers to the
categories has no
mathematical
meaning like
However, in this case, it is important to keep in mind that
the numbers do not have intrinsic meaning
NOMINAL SCALE
A nominal scale is one that allows the researcher to
assign subjects to certain categories or groups.
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6. ORDINAL SCALE
An ordinal scale categorizes the variables in such a way
as to denote differences among the various categories, it
also rank-orders the categories in some meaningful way.
For example:
APPs RANKING
Whatsapp
Telegram
Hike
Line
Wechat
Common example
of ordinal scale
include quality
ranking,
socioeconomics
classes, and
occupational
status. 6

7. INTERVAL SCALE
An interval scale allows to
perform certain arithmetical
operations on the data collected
from the respondents.
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree Neither
agree
nor
Disagree
Agree Strongly
Agree
•My job offers me a chance to
test myself and my abilities
Interval scales indicate order
and also the distance in the
order.
For example:
Zero point on the interval scale
is arbitrary zero, it does not
means the complete absence of
anything
Temperature Scale in
Fahrenheit.
Interval scales allow
comparisons of the differences
of magnitude (e.g. of attitudes)
but do not allow determinations
of the actual strength of the
magnitude.
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8. Interval scales allow comparisons of
the differences of magnitude (e.g. of
attitudes) but do not allow
determinations of the actual strength
of the magnitude.
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9. RATIO SCALES
For example:Boys – 20 and Girls – 30 Then the ratio will be 1:1.5
This scale has a unique or fixed beginning or true zero point.
(complete absence of the phenomenon being measured)
This scale has a unique or fixed
beginning or true zero point.
(complete absence of the
phenomenon being measured)
Weight (in grams) is also a ratio
variable. Again, the zero value is
meaningful, zero grams means the
absence of weight.
Ratio scale allow comparisons of the differences of magnitude (e.g.
of attitudes) as well as determinations of the actual strength of the
magnitude.
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10. Dichotomous scale
• to elicit yes or no answer
For example: Do you own a car? o Yes o
Category scale
• for multiple items to elicit a single response
For example: your caste
o Gen o OBC o SC o ST oOthers
No
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11. Semantic differential scale
 Honest Dishonest
 Numerical scale
 The scale provides number on a five-point or seven
 point
 with bipolar adjectives at the end
 For example: Honest [7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ] Dishonest
• several bipolar attributes are identified
• respondents are asked to indicate their attitudes
For example: Courageous Timid
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12. Stapel scale
• it measures both the direction and intensity of the
attitude
For example:
state how you would rate your supervisor’s abilities
with respect to each of the characteristics mentioned
below
+3 +2 +1 product innovation -1 -2 -3
+3 +2 +1 interpersonal skills -1 -2 -3
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13. Graphic rating scale
• it is a graphical representation
For example:
on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your
supervisor?
Adequate
very bad 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 excellent
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14. Forced choice scale
• there will be two alternatives
• choice is to select one alone
For example:
which is your favorite subject?
o maths o science
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