Attributes:
Qualitative and Quantitative
When we discuss objects, events, or ideas, often use elements they have in common or in contrast to one another. A set of attributes can used to describe a set of objects and define how they are different from a set or category that has different attributes or features.
Types of attributes:
This is the first step of data collection in making charts or diagrams. We differentiate between different types of attributes.
Qualitative attributes can be--
- Named or described in words (Nominal--color, symmetry, texture). Nominal attributes often require that a person become familiar with a new nomenclature (method of naming) or jargon (unique words or common words used in new contexts) in a field of science, engineering, manufacturing, craft, sports, or art.
- Ordered in ascending or descending order through comparison to one another (Ordinal). Ordinal attributes have a meaningful sequence or ranking (order) between compared objects or elements, but newly-introduced objects or elements may later be added or inserted between two others.
- Categorized by being sorted into sets defined by objects that have a certain feature or do not have the feature (Binary or Dichotomous Keying). Binary attributes must be carefully defined so they have only 2 possible values/states. For example: true or false, flowering or not flowering, backbone or no backbone, yes or no (no maybe or undecided).
Quantitative attributes can be measured and assigned a number. A numeric attribute is quantitative because it is measurable and can be expressed in integer or real values that can be understood by other mathematicians.
- Discrete attributes are defined by cardinal points (defined values or scales agreed upon by observers); for example, runs in a baseball game, points in basketball, heat settings on an oven, measurements in baking (a 1/2 cup, a 1/4 cup)
- Continuous attributes can have many values in-between two other observed points, such as measurements of distance, mass, or time.