4.1.12

Types of Data

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Types of Data

Data can be classified into different categories. These categories depend on the variable you need to use for your practical.

Illustrative background for Continuous dataIllustrative background for Continuous data ?? "content

Continuous data

  • Continuous data is data that is measured on a scale.
    • Continuous data can be any number.
  • Examples of continuous data include:
    • Weight
    • Length
    • Mass
    • Height
    • Time
    • Temperature
Illustrative background for Continuous data graphsIllustrative background for Continuous data graphs ?? "content

Continuous data graphs

  • The type of graph we draw when the data is continuous is normally a line graph.
  • To complete the line graph, a line of best fit is drawn.
  • The line of best fit may be:
    • A smooth curve drawn freehand
    • A straight line drawn with a ruler.
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Discrete data

  • Discrete data is usually a number.
    • Discrete data can only have a certain number and not be put on a scale.
  • Examples of discrete data include:
    • Shoe size
    • Goals scored in a season
    • Lessons attended in week
  • Discrete data is usually displayed in a bar chart.
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Categorical data

  • Categorical data uses words instead of numbers.
  • Examples of categoric data include:
    • Gender
    • Colour
    • Favourite football team
  • Categorical data is usually displayed in a bar chart.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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