When observers are asked to use a rating scale to measure a psychological dimension such as aggressiveness or anxiety,the researchers must decide whether these ratings represent
A) a nominal or an interval scale.
B) a nominal or an ordinal scale.
C) an ordinal or an interval scale.
D) an interval or a ratio scale.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ratings would be considered ordinal because they represent a ranking or order of the level of aggressiveness or anxiety. However, depending on the type of scale used (e.g. Likert scale), the ratings could also be considered interval because they represent equal intervals or distances between levels of aggressiveness or anxiety. Therefore, either an ordinal or interval scale could be appropriate depending on the specific method used for the rating scale.

When Observers Are Asked to Use a Rating Scale to Measure