Biostatistics: interval scale of measurement: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Biostatistics: interval scale of measurement

Sample item

Body temperature is recorded in degrees Celsius. On which scale of measurement is this variable?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Interval scale

An interval scale has equal distances between values but no true zero. Zero degrees Celsius is arbitrary, and 40 degrees is not twice as hot as 20 degrees. A ratio scale has a true zero, such as weight or height.

Option by option

  • A. Ordinal scale

    An ordinal scale only ranks values without equal spacing.

  • B. Nominal scale

    A nominal scale names categories without any order.

  • C. Interval scale (correct)

    Correct. Equal intervals with an arbitrary zero define an interval scale.

  • D. Ratio scale

    A ratio scale requires a true zero, which Celsius does not have.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is C, Interval scale. An interval scale has equal distances between values but no true zero.

Why is "Ordinal scale" not the answer?

An ordinal scale only ranks values without equal spacing.

Why is "Nominal scale" not the answer?

A nominal scale names categories without any order.

Why is "Ratio scale" not the answer?

A ratio scale requires a true zero, which Celsius does not have.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Biostatistics: interval scale of measurement in PSM. Zero degrees Celsius is arbitrary, and 40 degrees is not twice as hot as 20 degrees. A ratio scale has a true zero, such as weight or height.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Biostatistics: interval scale of measurement?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.