Ordinal Measurement Scales

The second type of data scaling is called ordinal. With ordinal measurement scales there is relative ranking and ordering of an attribute in different categories.

Unlike nominal scaling, the numbers in ordinal scales have meaning. Ordinal scales give more information and more precise data than nominal scales do.

Here are three examples of ordinal -scaled variables.

*Variable: Frequency

Never (0) Rarely (1) Sometimes (3) Frequently (4) Always (5)

*Variable: Satisfaction

Dissatisfied (1) Satisfied (2) Very Satisfied (3)

*Variable: Performance Assessment Attainment

Goal not attained (1) Goal attained (2) Goal Exceeded (3)

One of the most common uses of ordinal scaling for data is with questionnaires.