The difference between an interval and a ratio variable is that:
A) ratio scales indicate only difference, but interval scales indicate difference and order.
B) interval scales indicate only difference, but ratio scales indicate difference and order.
C) on a ratio scale, the number 0 corresponds to an absence of the quality, but this is not true for an interval scale.
D) there are equal intervals between points on an interval scale, but this is not true for a ratio scale.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The defining characteristic of a ratio variable is that it has a true zero point, meaning the value of 0 corresponds to an absence of the quality being measured. This is not true for an interval variable, where the 0 point may simply be a starting point with no inherent meaning. Therefore, option C is the correct choice. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they either incorrectly describe the characteristics of one or both types of variables or do not provide a distinguishing feature between them.

The Difference Between an Interval and a Ratio Variable Is