Chapter 1.2, Problem 2LC

A researcher studies the factors that determine the number of jobs adults have in a lifetime. The variable, number of jobs, is an example of a(n) ______ variable.

1. a. discrete
2. b. continuous
3. c. nominal
4. d. ordinal

To determine

The type of variable, number of jobs.

Answer to Problem 2LC

The correct option is a. discrete.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct answer:

Here the variable represents the number of jobs and it will take values which will be whole numbers like 0, 1, 2 and so on. Thus, the values are countable and the number of jobs is discrete variable.

Reason for incorrect answer:

Option b.: Here the variable number of jobs takes non negative integral values and there cannot be any integral value between two consecutive numbers. So, variable cannot be continuous.

Option c.: Since, different numbers of jobs are comparable, so scale of measurement cannot be nominal.

Option d.: Since, different numbers of jobs are comparable in magnitude, so scale of measurement cannot be ordinal.

Statistics Concept Introduction

Nominal level: It consists of only categories in which the data cannot be arranged in specific order. This level of measurement used for giving names, classifying, or categorizing of items without following natural ordering.

Ordinal level: It consists of only categories in which the data can be arranged in specific order. This level of measurement used for giving names, classifying, or categorizing of items which follows natural ordering.

Discrete data:

When the values in data set are countable, that is if space exists between any two values of data set, it is termed as discrete data. In discrete data the number of values considered would be finite and are quantitative values.

Continuous data:

When the values in data set are not countable, that is if the data takes values on interval scale, it is termed as continuous data. In continuous data the infinitely many number of values can be considered.