Nominal variables
Ordinal variables
Dummy variables from quantitative variables
Preference variables
Multiple response variables
Nominal Variables
Nominal variables allow for only qualitative classification. That is, they can be
measured only in terms of whether the individual items belong to certain distinct
categories, but we cannot quantify or even rank order the categories: Nominal
data has no order, and the assignment of numbers to categories is purely
arbitrary. Because of lack of order or equal intervals, one cannot perform
arithmetic (+, -, /, *) or logical operations (>, <, =) on the nominal data. Typical
examples of such variables are:
Gender:
1.
2. Female
Marital Status:
1.
2.
3.
4. Widower
Unmar
Mar
Divor
2. Ordinal Variables
A discrete ordinal variable is a nominal variable, but its different states are
ordered in a meaningful sequence. Ordinal data has order, but the intervals
between scale points may be uneven. Because of lack of equal distances,
arithmetic operations are impossible, but logical operations can be performed on
the ordinal data. A typical example of an ordinal variable is the socio-economic
status of families. We know 'upper middle' is higher than 'middle' but we cannot
say 'how much higher'. Ordinal variables are quite useful for subjective
assessment of 'quality; importance or relevance'. Ordinal scale data are very
frequently used in social and behavioral research. Almost all opinion surveys
today request answers on three-, five-, or seven- point scales. Such data are not
appropriate for analysis by classical techniques, because the numbers are
comparable only in terms of relative magnitude, not actual magnitude.
Consider for example a questionnaire item on the time involvement of scientists in
the 'perception and identification of research problems'. The respondents were
asked to indicate their involvement by selecting one of the following codes:
1
=
2
3
4
5 = Very great
Very
low
=
=
=
or
nil
Low
Medium
Great
3.
[Up to 25]
[25, 40 ]
[40, 50]
[50, 60]
[Above 60]
4. Preference Variables
Preference variables are specific discrete variables, whose values are either
in a decreasing or increasing order. For example, in a survey, a respondent
may be asked to indicate the importance of the following nine sources of
information in his research and development work, by using the code [1] for
the most important source and [9] for the least important source:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Statistical analysis
Lab automation/ process control
Data base management, storage and retrieval
Modeling and simulation
Scientific and engineering calculations
Computer aided design (CAD)
Communication and networking
Graphics
Since IDAMS does not handle multiple response variables, dummy variables have to be
created for each category prior to analysis.
Scientific methods
The scientific
method is
body
of techniques for
investigating phenomena,
acquiring
new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method
of inquiry is commonly based on empirical or measurable evidence subject to specific principles of
reasoning. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the scientific method as "a method or procedure
that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation,
measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.
1.
2.
3.
Hypothesis- Try to predict the answer to the problem. Another term for hypothesis
is educated guess. This is usually stated like If I(do something) then(this will
occur)
4.
Experiment- The fun part! Design a test or procedure to confirm or disprove your
hypothesis.
5.
Analysis- Record what happened during the experiment. Also known as data.
6.
Conclusion- Review the data and check to see if your hypothesis was correct.
The scientific method is used all over the world every day to make new discoveries.