The scales of measurement are classifications that determine the nature of data and the types of mathematical operations that can be performed on it. There are four primary scales: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. Nominal scales categorize data without a specific order (e.g., gender, nationality). Ordinal scales rank data in a meaningful order, but the intervals between ranks are not consistent (e.g., satisfaction ratings). Interval scales have ordered categories with equal intervals between values, but no true zero point (e.g., temperature in Celsius). Finally, ratio scales possess all the properties of interval scales, with the addition of a true zero point that allows for meaningful ratios (e.g., weight, height). Each scale has implications for statistical analysis and data interpretation.
Explain the scales of measurement in one paragraph only.
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