Types of data

• Select a sample from the population Generalise conclusions from the sample to the population

there two main types - categorical and numerical • these are then divided into two sub branches for each categorical sub branches - nominal and ordinal • numerical sub branches • Interval and ratio

• is a type of data that is used to label variables without providing any quantitative value. It is the simplest form of a scale of measure • Qualitative, descriptive, non-numerical • Blood type, zip code, male or female

• Observations can take a value that can be logically ranked • Ordinal data is a kind of categorical data with a set order or scale to it • Difference between rankings not always consistent • E.g. rank in 100m race, PA levels

• Qualitative, non - numerical • Can be assigned a value that describe quality or characteristic of data • e.g. what type • Can only be in one category • Can be nominal or ordinal

• Numeric, with equal differences between points on the scale, but no true zero so cannot express relative differences between units • 10 degrees + 10 degrees = 20 degrees. But 20 degrees is not twice as hot as 10 degrees because there is no such thing as no temperature when it comes to the Celsius scale

• Numeric, with equal differences between points on the scale and a true zero • e.g. weight, can say that 100 kg is double 50 kg Ratio data can be multiplied and divide

• Meaningful numeric value • Values that describe a measurable quantity • e.g. how many or how much • Can be continuous or discrete

Categorical variables represent types of data which may be divided into groups

Numerical data is a type of data that expresses information in the form of numbers.

data that can take any value within a range

Discrete data is information that can only take certain values

Self-report Physiological measurement Behavioural measurement

Participants describe their behaviour or express opinions in interviews or questionnaires

Behaviours that can be observed and measured