It is certainly true that the variable
X = distance from the left hand end of the line (in whatever units you
choose)
is a ratio variable, because the zero is not arbitrary.
But the variable
Y = level of agreement, recorded as distance from the left hand end of
this particular line
is not a ratio variable. This is the case because the choice of this
line, and whereabouts on it you choose to put 'zero agreement' (whatever
that might mean) is quite arbitrary.
A ratio variable is one where the zero is 'natural' - not arbitrarily
chosen.
Alan
> Sure do, I think that if you redid it so that the scale was now:
>
> don't agree
> strongly agree
> |_______________________________________|
>
> that would give you a ratio scale between no agreement and strong agreement.
> You would then be able to use, e.g. ANOVA, on your test results, which would
> be numeric in millimeters.
>
> cheers
> Michelle <blush>
>
> =================================================================
> Instructions for joining and leaving this list and remarks about
> the problem of INAPPROPRIATE MESSAGES are available at
> http://jse.stat.ncsu.edu/
> =================================================================
--
Alan McLean ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics
Monash University, Caulfield Campus, Melbourne
Tel: +61 03 9903 2102 Fax: +61 03 9903 2007
=================================================================
Instructions for joining and leaving this list and remarks about
the problem of INAPPROPRIATE MESSAGES are available at
http://jse.stat.ncsu.edu/
=================================================================
