Which type of data can be measured on an interval scale?

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Study for the University of Central Florida QMB3602 Business Research for Decision Making Exam 1. Prepare with detailed questions and in-depth explanations to excel in your test! Enhance your decision-making skills effectively.

Temperature readings can be measured on an interval scale because this type of data has meaningful intervals between values, allowing for the quantification of differences in temperature. For example, the difference between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius is the same difference as between 70 degrees Celsius and 80 degrees Celsius, indicating consistent intervals of measurement.

An interval scale does not have a true zero point; for instance, 0 degrees Celsius does not represent the absence of temperature but rather a point on the temperature scale. This characteristic facilitates mathematical operations, such as addition and subtraction, making it possible to analyze temperature data effectively.

On the other hand, the other options represent different types of data that do not fit the criteria for an interval scale. Yes/No responses are nominal, as they categorize data without any ranking or measurable distance. Counts of items represent discrete numerical values and typically fall under a ratio scale if a true zero exists. Categorized groups represent nominal data as well, where the categories have no inherent order or measurable difference between them.