Scales are tools used to measure how individuals differ on variables of interest. There are four main types of scales: nominal scales assign subjects to categories, ordinal scales denote differences and rank categories, interval scales allow arithmetic operations on data, and ratio scales measure magnitude and proportions of differences. Examples provided include using Likert scales to rate agreement, ranking apps, and comparing boys and girls in a ratio. Various other scale types were also outlined such as dichotomous, category, semantic differential, numerical, Stapel, graphic rating, and forced choice scales. The presentation concluded with describing measures of central tendency and dispersion that correspond to each scale type, along with some common tests of significance.

1. PRESENTATION
BY
KARPAGAM SIGAPPI A L
RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY

2. 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.

3. SCALES
Nominal
Scale
Ordinal
Scale
Interval
Scale
Ratio
Scale

4. NOMINAL SCALE
A nominal scale is one that allows the researcher to
assign subjects to certain categories or groups.
For example: Your department
-Production
-Sales
-Accounting
-Personnel
-R&D
-Others (specify)

5. 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
Viber
Hike
Line
Wechat

6. INTERVAL SCALE
An interval scale allows to perform certain arithmetical
operations on the data collected from the respondents.
For example:
Strongl
y
Disagr
ee
Disagr
ee
Neither
agree
nor
Disagre
e
Agre
e
Strongl
y Agree
• My job offers me a chance
to test myself and my
abilities

7. RATIO SCALES
The ratio scale measures the magnitude of the
differences between points on the scale but also taps the
proportions in the differences.
For example:
Boys – 20 and Girls – 30
Then the ratio will be 1:1.5

8. Dichotomous scale
• to elicit yes or no answer
For example: Do you own a car? o Yes o
No
Category scale
• for multiple items to elicit a single response
For example: your caste
o OC o BC o MBC o ST o
Others

9. Semantic differential scale
• several bipolar attributes are identified
• respondents are asked to indicate their attitudes
For example: Courageous Timid
Honest
Dishonest
Numerical scale
• The scale provides number on a five-point or seven
point
• with bipolar adjectives at end
For example: Honest [7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ] Dishonest

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 69%
31%
whatsapp users

14. 0
100
200
300 251
88 103
50
hike viber we chat line

15. SCALE MEASURES
OF
CENTRAL
TENDENCY
MEASURES
OF
DISPERSION
SOME TESTS
OF
SIGNIFICANC
E
Nominal Mode … X2
Ordinal Median Semi-interquartile
range
Rank-order
correlation
Internal Arithmetic
mean
Standard
deviation,
variance,
coefficient of
variations
t, f
Ratio Arithmetic or
geometric
mean
Standard deviation
or variance or
coefficient of
t, f