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Continuous

Definition

Continuous data refers to numerical data that can take on any value within a given range. It can be measured and divided into smaller units, and there are infinite possible values between any two points.

Analogy

Imagine a thermometer measuring the temperature outside. The temperature can be any value within a range, such as 70.5 degrees or 71.2 degrees. There are no gaps or jumps in the measurement, just like continuous data.

Related terms

Discrete: Discrete data refers to numerical data that can only take on specific values and cannot be divided into smaller units. For example, the number of siblings you have is discrete because it can only be whole numbers.

Interval Level of Measurement: Interval level of measurement is a type of measurement scale where the intervals between values are equal, but there is no true zero point. An example would be measuring temperature in Celsius.

Ratio Level of Measurement: Ratio level of measurement is similar to interval level, but it has a true zero point. This means that ratios between measurements make sense. Examples include height and weight measurements.