Which of the following statements apply to a ratio scale? A. It is a useful…

Concept

Measurement scales are distinguished by the comparisons and numerical operations that remain meaningful for their values.

A ratio scale has ordered values, equal intervals, and an absolute or true zero. Consequently, differences and ratios are meaningful, and ordinary arithmetic can be applied to its values.

Application

1. Statement A is not a defining property of a ratio scale; assessing qualitative attributes is associated with rating or attitudinal devices rather than the ratio-level measurement rule.

2. Statement B describes equal intervals, which a ratio scale inherits from the interval scale.

3. Statement C describes the true zero that distinguishes a ratio scale from an interval scale.

4. Statement D describes the meaningful arithmetic permitted by ratio-level numerical values, including addition and subtraction.

5. Statement E is not a defining property; ratio data can support parametric analysis when its other assumptions are satisfied, whereas non-parametric methods are not intrinsic to this scale.

Cross-check and contrast

• A, C and D includes the qualitative-assessment claim and omits the equal-interval property.

• D and E includes the non-parametric-techniques claim and omits both equal intervals and a true zero.

• A, B and C includes the qualitative-assessment claim and omits the arithmetic property.

• B, C and D contains the equal-interval, true-zero, and arithmetic properties together.

Therefore, the applicable statements are B, C and D only.