Measurement Scales Document When conducting market research it is imperative to understand the different types of measurement scales in order to apply or use them correctly in the data collection process. Selecting the right measurement scale is also critical to assist research in collecting quality data. According to Hyper Stat, 2011, measurement scales are used to assign numbers to objects or events in a systematic way. Four commonly distinguished levels of measurement scales are the nominal, ordinal, ratio, and interval scales. In this article the author will describe each of the four measurement scales and discuss how they can be used when developing a questionnaire. Measurement Scales Nominal Nominal scales represent the lowest level of measurement that can be used. Nominal scales are normally defined as measurements in which numbers or categorical data are assigned to items of objects or classes of objects primarily for the purpose of identifying or naming objects. “No quantitative information is provided and no order of items is implied. Nominal scales are therefore qualitative rather than quantitative. Variables such as religious preference, race, geographic location, occupation, and gender are all examples of nominal scales." (Lane, D., 2011, Para. 1) The form of labeling used in nominal measurements allows for better organizing and sorting the data. The process becomes much less difficult because of the categorization process that takes place. Ordinal An ordinal measurement scale represents an ordered series of relationships or a ranking order. Measurements with ordinal scales are ordered so that i higher numbers represent higher values. According to Hyper Stat, 2011, measurements with ordinal scales are ordered in the center of the sheet......sfied, 3=neither dissatisfied nor satisfied, 4=satisfied and 5=very satisfied.ConclusionIn conclusion the author has clearly defined and provided usable examples of each of the four levels of measurement scales commonly known as nominal, ordinal, ratio, and interval scales. The author also discussed how each measurement scale can be applied and incorporated into the development of a questionnaire to be used for data collection. Works CitedLane, D. Measurement Scales. Hyperstat. Retrieved September 12, 2011, from http://davidmlane.com/hyperstat/A30028.htmlWebster. Introduction to measurement and statistics. Webster Education. Retrieved September 12, 2011, from http://www.csulb.edu/~msaintg/ppa696/696meas.htmCSU. Operational definitions. Research methods education. Retrieved September 12, 2011, from http://www.csulb.edu/~msaintg/ppa696/696meas.htm