LEVELS OF MEASUREMENT:
Measurement is the process of assigning numbers to the variables. Ways to assign these numbers include counting, ranking and comparing objects or events. Measurements, as used in research implies qualification of information, that is the assigning of some type of number to the data and numbers are then become the means of computing the information. The aim of measurement is to provide accurate and objective description of phenomena that you can communicate to others. Therefore, when the variables is operationally defined, the investigator must assess the kind of data required in order to select the appropriate statistical test. From the point of view of statistical analyses, there are four types of data as discussed below:
Nominal Data:
Data are called Nominal Ievel when data can be placed in two or more classes which are mutually exclusive or exhaustive. When you have nominal level data, you have categories with different "names" for different groups; e.g. Indian, American, African. The subject scale value on a nominal variable simply indicate the group to which he belongs. Putting people into the following categories would be other examples of Nominal Level Data:
1) boy-girl;
2) student and non-student;