Levels of measurement in research – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C and D correctly describe the four classical levels of measurement. Nominal scales simply classify, ordinal scales rank, interval scales provide equal units without a true zero and ratio scales include both equal intervals and an absolute zero. Statement E is false because nominal and ordinal data can still be analysed using appropriate statistics such as frequencies, medians and non-parametric tests. Therefore, the set containing A, B, C and D only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and C but omits D, thereby leaving out the crucial description of ratio scales, which are widely used for variables like height, weight or test scores with an absolute zero. Because it fails to list all the true statements, this option is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it includes all four accurate descriptions of measurement scales and excludes E, which incorrectly claims that nominal and ordinal data are unusable in statistics. It gives a comprehensive and standard account of measurement levels.

Option C:
Option C includes E and omits A, which is a correct description of nominal scales. Since E is false and A is true, this combination misclassifies statements and cannot be accepted.

Option D:
Option D wrongly adds E, the false claim about unsuitability for analysis, and omits B, which correctly explains ordinal scales. Mixing a false statement with true ones and omitting a correct one makes the option invalid.

Option E includes E and leaves out C, neglecting the proper description of interval scales and accepting an incorrect restriction on nominal and ordinal data. Hence this option cannot be considered correct.