Measurement scales and data – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C and D correctly define the four main levels of measurement. Nominal scales classify without order, ordinal scales rank without equal intervals, interval scales have equal intervals but lack a true zero and ratio scales have both equal intervals and a true zero, permitting ratio statements. Statement E is false because nominal categories are qualitative labels, so saying one category is “twice” another is meaningless. Thus, the combination containing A, B, C and D and excluding E is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits D, thereby failing to mention the ratio scale, which is crucial for many quantitative analyses involving meaningful zero points and ratios.

Option B:
Option B is correct since it gathers the accurate definitions of all four scales and rejects E, which inappropriately assigns ratio meaning to nominal categories. It reflects standard measurement theory used in research.

Option C:
Option C is wrong because it leaves out A and includes only B, C and D, ignoring the important distinction that nominal scales have no inherent order. This omission makes the overview of scales incomplete.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it includes E, the statement that misuses nominal categories, and omits B, weakening the description of ordinal measurement. This mixture leads to conceptual confusion about scales.