We’ve updated our privacy policy so that we are compliant with changing global privacy regulations and to provide you with insight into the limited ways in which we use your data.
You can read the details below. By accepting, you agree to the updated privacy policy.
Thank you!
View updated privacy policy
We've encountered a problem, please try again.
As you create a plan for analyzing quantitative data from your surveys, chances are you’ve come across the phrase “interval scale.” But what is the it, and how does it differ from commonly associated terms like “nominal scale” and “ordinal scale”?
We’ll cover the definition, describe key characteristics, and provide interval scale examples that could be especially useful for your survey strategy.
The interval scale is a quantitative measurement scale where there is order, the difference between the two variables is meaningful and equal, and the presence of zero is arbitrary. It measures variables that exist along a common scale at equal intervals. The measures used to calculate the distance between the variables are highly reliable.
The interval scale is the third level of measurement after the nominal scale and the ordinal scale. Understanding the first two levels will help you differentiate interval measurements. A nominal scale is used when variables do not have a natural order or ranking. You can include numbered or unnumbered variables, but common survey examples include gender, location, political party, pets, and so on.
In contrast, on an ordinal scale, the rank of variables matters, but the difference or distance between the variables doesn’t. Think about price range filters for online shopping. You can select “less than $25,” “$26 up to $50,” and so forth, but the difference between them is not relevant. Likewise, the ranking of variables such as “Would not recommend” and “Would highly recommend” matters, but the difference between them does not unless that difference is represented by another variable.
Learn more: Interval Data- Definition and Example
Characteristics of interval scale
Now that you’re familiar with the first two scales of measurement, it’s much easier to understand it. In a sense, it’s the combination of the other scales. The trickiest part about the interval scale is probably the fact that there is no true zero. But when you think about it, some variables do not have a universally constant zero. Consider this interval scale example: temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re analyzing temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit, say 20-40 degrees and 40-60 degrees, there is order and difference between variables is meaningful, but the presence of zero is arbitrary. How is zero arbitrary? Zero degrees on the Fahrenheit (and Celsius) scale is not a universal constant but instead assigned to represent the temperature at which brine made from equal parts of ice, water, and salt freezes.
Let’s not get too wrapped up in the particulars of temperature, though. Your surveys will likely focus on other variables. It is easy to remember the objective of this scale because “interval” refers to the interval (or distance) between two variables. Another way to remember this scale is that the data between two variables can be added or subtracted, but not multiplied or divided. This is unlike the ratio scale, where division is defined between two variables.
Want an easy guide to the interval scale and its data? We’ve listed key characteristics here:
- The interval scale is preferred to nominal scale or ordinal scale because the latter two are qualitative scales. The interval scale is quantitative in the sense that it can quantify the difference between values.
- Interval data can be discrete with whole numbers like 8 degrees, 4 years, 2 months, etc., or continuous with fractional numbers like 12.2 degrees, 3.5 weeks or 4.2 miles.
- You can subtract values between two variables that help understand the difference between two variables.
- Interval measurement allows you to calculate the mean and median of variables.
- Interval data is especially useful in business, social, and scientific analysis and strategy because it is straightforward and quantitative.
- This is a preferred scale in statistics because you can assign a numerical value to any arbitrary assessment, such as feelings and sentiments.
Now that you know how to spot the interval scale when you see it, let’s take a look at some useful interval scale examples.
Interval scale examples
Questions that can be measured on the interval scale are the most commonly used question types in research studies. To receive answers in the form of interval data, you need to limit feedback options to variables that can be assigned a numerical value where the difference between the two variables is equal.
You have probably seen the following scales used in a research study: agreement, satisfaction levels, or likelihood. The survey needs to be scaled so variables can meet the criteria of interval measurement. Otherwise, the data you receive in feedback will be difficult to quantify.
Consider these questions as you write your next survey. They are all compatible with the interval scale and offer actionable data:
Likert Scale
One of the most commonly used interval scale questions is arranged on a five-point Likert Scale question, where each emotion is denoted with a number, and the variables range from extremely dissatisfied to extremely satisfied.
Net Promoter Score (NPS)
In a Net Promoter Score (NPS) question, the respondents reply on a scale of 1-10 rating how likely they are to refer a company/product/service to a peer.
Bipolar Matrix Table
When you include this type of question, participants assess an object on a bipolar matrix table using a five-point rating scale that helps you quantify sentiments by creating a ranking system.
Conclusion
The interval scale gives survey strategists the ability to quantify and differentiate between options so your feedback can contribute to meaningful goals and results. It’s often more effective for most businesses and scientific studies than the nominal scale or ordinal scale, as it can account for quantitative outcomes.
QuestionPro makes it easy to write, share, and analyze surveys to gather deep insights. Use this article to select the best interval scale question-answer types for your next study.