SSC IMD SA 2017 – Question 172

Which of the following statements is true?

• Nominal and categorical data values are known as ‘qualitative data’
• Interval and ratio data are known as ‘quantitative data’
• Ordinal relational data refers to a ranking scheme or some kind of hierarchical phenomena
• All options are correct

Detailed Explanation:

The correct answer is d) All options are correct (सभी विकल्प सही हैं).

In statistics, spatial analysis, and GIS database design, data is classified according to Stevens’ Levels of Measurement:

• Nominal and Categorical Data (Qualitative Data): Nominal data consists of discrete labels, names, or categories without any intrinsic numerical value, ranking, or order (e.g., soil type, tree species, land ownership). Because they describe qualities or categories rather than quantities, they are known as qualitative data.
• Interval and Ratio Data (Quantitative Data): Both interval data (where differences between numbers are meaningful but there is no absolute zero, e.g., temperature in Celsius) and ratio data (which possesses a true, absolute zero point and allows meaningful ratios, e.g., population, distance, elevation) represent measurable amounts. Hence, they are known as quantitative data.
• Ordinal Data: Ordinal data represents values that have a natural rank, order, or hierarchical scale (e.g., suitability ratings like low, medium, high; customer satisfaction levels; class ranks). Although differences between ranks are not necessarily equal or quantifiable, the sequence and relative standing are preserved.

Since all statements (a, b, and c) correctly describe statistical measurement scales, option d is correct.