Different Data Type used in Statistics

Nitesh Pandey
Nov 3 · 3 min read

Hi friends, Today we will learn one of the most important topics in statistics that is Data Type. Before start of this topic first, we try to understand what is data and what is the importance of data.
Data are individual units of information. Data can exist in a variety of forms like number, word, measurement etc. Data can help to solve problems, make better decision to improve process and performance.

Data Type is an attribute of data which tells what kind of data that value can have. Data Type in statistics is classified as below.

Classification of data type in statistics

Data Type in statistics is broadly classified into 2 type

  1. Categorical data
  2. Numerical data

Categorical data

It is also called as Qualitative or Discrete data.
It represents the categorical characteristics of something i.e discrete value means it takes only certain Values

Categorical data further classified into 2 types.

  1. Nominal data
  2. Ordinal data
Type of Categorical data
Type of Categorical data
Type of Categorical data

Nominal data

Nominal data represent the discrete unit and it has no order
Means If we change the order of its value meaning would not change.

Example:

Gender contains values as male, female and transgender .we can take it in any order, the meaning of data not changes.

Gender can be classified into three type
Gender can be classified into three type
Category of gender

Ordinal data

Ordinal data represent the discrete and ordered unit. It is same as nominal data except order.
Example:
1.Stages of cancer

classification of cancer stages
classification of cancer stages
Hierarchy of cancer stages

Each and every stage depends on others so if we try to change the order meaning also changed

2.Educational background

Education order hierarchy
Education order hierarchy
Education Hierarchy

Above example also a type of Ordinal data because order of execution is in sequence.

Numerical Data Type

It is also called as Quantitative or continuous data.
It represents a numerical measurement of something.
It is a data that can take any value within a specified range.

Numerical or Continuous data further classify into 2 type
1.Interval
2.Ratio

Classification of numerical data
Classification of numerical data
Classification of Numerical data

Interval Data

It represents an ordered unit that has no true zero values.
Example:

Time can not have a true zero(Time=8:10 pm)
Year also does not have true zero value(Year=2019)

Ratio

Ratio is the same as interval data or value except ratio have absolute or true zero value.
Example:

  1. Height or weight
    0, 5,10, 20 and so on.
  2. Temperature

It is also an example of ratio data because it can be zero value i.e 0 degree

This post helps to provide an overview idea of different data type used in statistics. I think you enjoyed this post, did you find some great strategies of your own in this post then let us know in the comment section.

Thank you!

Happy Learning!!

Nitesh Pandey

Written by

Enthusiastic to learn new things

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade