Ordinal Data vs. Interval Data: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 30, 2023
Ordinal data represents rank order, while interval data has consistent, measurable differences between values without a true zero.
Key Differences
Ordinal data refers to data types where items can be ranked or put in order. In contrast, interval data is quantitative data that has equal and consistent intervals but lacks a genuine starting point or true zero.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
When considering ordinal data, one can understand the relative position or ranking of items, but not the magnitude of difference between them. Interval data, on the other hand, allows for the measurement of the exact difference between data points, but it doesn't convey a true sense of "absence" since it lacks a true zero.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
For instance, ordinal data might represent how students rank in a class: first, second, third, and so forth. But it won't tell you the exact difference in scores between the first and second student. Conversely, interval data, such as temperature measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit, can tell the exact difference between two values, but 0°C or 0°F doesn't signify the absence of temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
To delve deeper, ordinal data might use scales like "agree, neutral, disagree" which provide a clear order but no consistent difference between each response. Interval data like IQ scores or SAT scores provide definite intervals, letting one discern not just order but the exact distance between scores.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
It's critical to recognize that while ordinal data gives a sense of hierarchy, it doesn't give a sense of the interval between categories. In contrast, interval data provides a clear picture of the spaces between each data point, yet can't represent an absolute absence of the attribute being measured.
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Measurement
Order without exact difference
Precise differences without true zero
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Example
Likert scales: agree, neutral, disagree
Temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit
Aimie Carlson
Oct 29, 2023
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Ordinal Data and Interval Data Definitions
Ordinal Data
It's categorical data with a clear hierarchy.
Survey responses like low, medium, high represent ordinal data.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Interval Data
It allows for arithmetic operations.
With interval data, one can calculate the average of two temperatures.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Ordinal Data
Ordinal data allows for relative comparisons.
In a race, ordinal data can tell you who finished first, second, or third, but not the time gaps.
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
Interval Data
The space between data points is uniform.
The difference between 10°C and 20°C in interval data is the same as between 20°C and 30°C.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ordinal Data
It lacks precise numerical differences.
While you know gold is better than silver in a contest using ordinal data, you don't know by how much.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
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Interval Data
Interval data has consistent, measurable differences.
Temperatures on the Fahrenheit scale represent interval data.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ordinal Data
Ordinal data represents a rank order.
Students' class ranks are a form of ordinal data.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Interval Data
The data points are quantitative.
IQ scores, measured at regular intervals, are interval data.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ordinal Data
The intervals between data points are not uniform.
The difference between disagree and neutral in ordinal data might not be the same as between neutral and agree.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Interval Data
It lacks a true starting point or zero.
In interval data, 0°C doesn't mean the absence of temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
How does interval data differ?
Interval data has consistent, measurable differences between values but lacks a true zero.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Why doesn't interval data have a true zero?
Because 0 in interval data doesn't indicate the absence of the attribute being measured.
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
Can you measure precise differences in ordinal data?
No, ordinal data only conveys rank order, not exact differences.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
How is ordinal data typically represented?
Through scales like "low, medium, high" or "agree, neutral, disagree."
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Give an example of interval data.
Temperature measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Is the difference between "strongly agree" and "agree" uniform in ordinal data?
No, ordinal data doesn't guarantee uniform intervals.
Janet White
Oct 29, 2023
Can interval data be ranked?
Yes, but it also offers exact differences between values.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
What is ordinal data?
Ordinal data represents data with a rank order or hierarchy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Why is understanding the difference important?
Different data types require different statistical analyses.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 29, 2023
What's an example of a dataset with both ordinal and interval data?
A survey with questions about income brackets (ordinal) and age (interval).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Can you convert ordinal data to interval data?
Not directly, as ordinal data lacks consistent intervals.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Can you calculate the median for both data types?
Yes, both ordinal and interval data can have medians.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Can arithmetic operations be performed on interval data?
Yes, operations like averaging can be done with interval data.
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
Why is there no true zero in interval data?
A true zero would mean the complete absence of the attribute, which isn't represented in interval scales.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Can ordinal data be numeric?
Yes, like "1st, 2nd, 3rd," but the numbers represent ranks, not measurable quantities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Why can't you say 0°C means no temperature?
Because 0°C is just a point on the scale and doesn't signify the absence of heat.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Is a Likert scale ordinal or interval data?
Typically, a Likert scale is treated as ordinal data.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
