Categorical variable
A categorical variable is a type of variable in statistics that represents characteristics or groups of data that are sorted into distinct, non-ordered categories
A categorical variable is a type of variable in statistics that represents characteristics or groups of data that are sorted into distinct, non-ordered categories. This type of variable is also known as a qualitative or discrete variable. Categorical variables can take on a limited number of values or categories, and each category is typically represented by a label or name.
Examples of categorical variables include:
1. Gender: This variable has two categories, male and female.
2. Eye color: This variable has multiple categories such as blue, brown, green, etc.
3. Education level: This variable can have categories like elementary, high school, college, etc.
4. Marital status: This variable may have categories like single, married, divorced, etc.
5. Types of cars: This variable can have categories like sedan, SUV, truck, etc.
Categorical variables are different from numerical variables, also known as quantitative variables, which represent data that can be measured and expressed numerically. Categorical variables do not have a numerical value associated with them, and therefore they cannot be used in mathematical operations such as addition or division. They are, however, suitable for descriptive analysis, frequency counts, and creating bar charts or pie charts to visually represent the distribution of data among different categories.
It is important to correctly identify and understand the type of variable you are working with, as different statistical methods and techniques are applied to categorical variables compared to numerical variables.
More Answers:
Understanding the Difference Between Categorical and Numerical Variables in Annual Income Data AnalysisHow to Find the Average (Mean) in Mathematics: Step-by-Step Guide
The Importance of Blinded Studies in Research: Minimizing Bias for Unbiased Results