Types of Data
Science: KS3, topic 4.1.14
Types of Data
Data can be classified into different categories. The categories depend on the variable you need to use for your practical.
Continuous data
- Continuous data is data that is measured on a scale.
- Continuous data can be any number.
Continuous data examples
- Examples of continuous data include:
- Weight
- Length
- Mass
More continuous data examples
- Examples of continuous data include:
- Height
- Time
- Temperature
Continuous data graphs
- When the data is continuous, we normally draw a line graph.
- To complete the line graph, a line of best fit is drawn.
Line of best fit
- The line of best fit may be:
- A smooth curve drawn freehand
- A straight line drawn with a ruler
Discrete data
- Discrete data is usually a number.
- Discrete data can only have a certain number and not be put on a scale.
- Discrete data is usually displayed in a bar chart.
Discrete data examples
- Examples of discrete data include:
- Shoe size
- Goals scored in a season
- Lessons attended in week
Categorical data
- Categorical data uses words instead of numbers.
- Categorical data is usually displayed in a bar chart.
Categorical data examples
- Examples of categoric data include:
- Gender
- Colour
- Favourite football team
Test yourself on Types of Data
Which of these is an example of discrete data?
What are some examples of continuous data?
Select the correct statement in each pair
A measurement can be any value, like 2.3 cm or 2.35 cm, because it is taken on a scale. What type of data is this?
A measurement can only be a certain number, like 3 or 4, and not a number in between. What type of data is this?