Question

determine which of the four levels of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio) is most appropriate for the data below. diameter of circles in inches. choose the correct answer below. a. the ordinal level of measurement is most appropriate because the data can be ordered, but differences (obtained by subtraction) cannot be found or are meaningless. b. the nominal level of measurement is most appropriate because the data cannot be ordered. c. the interval level of measurement is most appropriate because the data can be ordered, differences (obtained by subtraction) can be found and are meaningful, and there is no natural starting point. d. the ratio level of measurement is most appropriate because the data can be ordered, differences (obtained by subtraction) can be found and are meaningful, and there is a natural starting zero point.

Explanation:

The diameter of circles in inches has a natural zero - a circle with zero diameter does not exist. The data can be ordered (a 5 - inch diameter circle is larger than a 3 - inch diameter circle), and differences between values (e.g., the difference between a 7 - inch and a 4 - inch diameter) are meaningful. These are characteristics of the ratio level of measurement.

Answer:

D. The ratio level of measurement is most appropriate because the data can be ordered, differences (obtained by subtraction) can be found and are meaningful, and there is a natural starting zero point.