interval data

numerical values that indicate magnitude but lack a “natural” zero point. Interval data represent exact quantities of the variables under consideration, and when arranged consecutively they have equal differences among adjacent values (regardless of the specific values selected) that correspond to genuine differences between the physical quantities being measured. Temperature is an example of interval data: the difference between 50 °F and 49 °F is the same as the difference between 40 °F and 39 °F, but a temperature of 0 °F does not indicate that there is no temperature. Compare ratio data. See also interval scale.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

April 26th 2024

automatograph

n. a classic device used to measure movement. It consists of a plate that lies on metal balls and thus follows every impulse of the hand that lies flat on it: The plate has an attachment by which the slightest involuntary movements are registered.