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Topic 3.6 of Data Collection and Analysis Methods

Scales of Measurement

Nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales -- and why averaging a low/medium/high/critical severity rating and reporting it as a precise number is one of the most common statistical errors in student projects.

~20 min total·4 quadrants of structured content

By the end of this topic, you will

Distinguish nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales of measurement with a security example for each
Identify which statistics and tests a given scale of measurement actually supports
Recognise the error of averaging an ordinal rating as if it were a ratio scale

Quadrant 1 · e-Tutorial

Video lectures and walkthroughs

Quadrant 2 · e-Content

Articles and case studies

research-methodology

Scales of Measurement

Not every number means the same thing. Averaging a low/medium/high/critical rating and reporting it as a precise 2.65 is one of the most common statistical errors in student projects.

9 min read

Quadrant 3 · Web Resources

Downloadable material and curated external links

Web resources coming soon.

Quadrant 4 · Self-Assessment

Test your knowledge — earn a certificate on first pass

Assessment coming soon.