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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Interval and Ratio?

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The main difference between interval and ratio scales lies in their ability to represent values below zero and their definition of zero. Here are the key differences:

Interval Scale:

  • Can represent values below zero, such as negative numbers.
  • Has no true zero, meaning the value of zero has no real meaning.
  • Classifies and orders a measurement, with equal spacing between intervals.
  • Examples include temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit and pH.

Ratio Scale:

  • Cannot represent values below zero, meaning the lowest value is zero.
  • Has a true zero, which represents an absence of the variable.
  • Can rank, categorize, and measure the size and magnitude of data as a factor of one defined unit in terms of another.
  • Examples include weight, length, temperature in Kelvin, enzyme activity, and dose amount.

In summary, interval scales can represent negative values and have no true zero, while ratio scales cannot represent negative values and have a true zero. Both scales can be ranked and categorized, and the differences between adjacent values are equal and meaningful.

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  • What is the Difference Between Interval and Ratio?
  • Comparative Table: Interval vs Ratio

    • Comparative Table: Interval vs Ratio

    Here is a table comparing the differences between interval and ratio scales:

    Feature Interval Scale Ratio Scale
    Definition An interval scale classifies and orders a measurement, specifying that the distance between each interval on a scale is equivalent. A ratio scale measures size and magnitude as a factor of one defined unit in terms of another and has a clear definition of 0.0, meaning there is none of that variable.
    zero Interval scales hold no true zero and can represent values below zero. Ratio scales have a value of zero, which signifies the absence of the variable being measured.
    Measurement Interval scales measure quantitative attributes, allowing you to rank, count, subtract, or add the values on the scale. However, these measurements don't provide any sense of ratio between one another. Ratio scales have the same properties as interval scales but also allow for meaningful ratios, coefficient of variation, and multiplications.
    Examples Classic examples of interval scales include temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit, pH, and credit scores. Examples of ratio scales include weight, length, temperature in Kelvin, enzyme activity, dose amount, reaction rate, flow rate, and concentration.

    In summary, interval scales provide order and equal intervals between values, while ratio scales have the additional property of a clear definition of 0.0 and the ability to compute meaningful ratios and multiplications.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.