Overview
data
Quick Reference
A collection of facts or organized information, usually the results of observation, experience, or experiment, or a set of premises from which conclusions may be drawn. Data may consist of numbers, words, or images. Continuous data are observations made on a scale that has a natural zero and a well-defined unit of measurement, and can have an infinite number of values e.g. the weight of an individual. Interval data are measured on a scale of which the intervals are equal. Nominal data consist of observations classified into categories that are different in character and cannot be ordered e.g. blood types. Ordinal data consist of observations which have a common character and can be grouped into a limited number of categories that can be ordered in a series or rank e.g. a satisfaction survey. Ratio data are interval data that have an additional property in that the ratios are meaningful e.g. birth weight in kg. Statistical data are observations made on independent units or individuals.
From: data in A Dictionary of Dentistry »
Subjects: Science and technology
