Question

Suppose a researcher compiled a data set consisting of the following variables for a sample of 100 retired men. For each variable, select whether it is discrete or continuous. Variable Discrete Continuous The number of countries ever visited The number of sons or daughters Shoe size Body temperature

Answer 1

Answer:

a) Discrete Variable

b) Discrete Variable

c) Discrete Variable

d) Continuous Variable

Step-by-step explanation:

We have to identify the given variable as discrete r continuous.

Discrete Variables:

• They are expressed in whole numbers.
• They are counted not measured.
• They cannot take any value within an interval.

Continuous Variables:

• They are expressed in decimal numbers.
• They are measured not counted.
• They cannot take any value within an interval.

a) The number of countries ever visited

Since number of countries will always be expressed in whole numbers and not decimals. Also, they will always be counted and not measured. Thus, it is a discrete variable.

b) The number of sons

Since number of sons will always be expressed in whole numbers and not decimals. Also, they will always be counted and not measured. Thus, it is a discrete variable.

c) Shoe size

Shoe size are expressed in whole number. The underlying measure is length of feet which is a continuous variable but shoe size are always given in whole number. Thus, they cannot take any value within an interval. Thus, it is a discrete variable.

d) Body temperature

Body temperature can be expressed in decimal. A Body temperature of 42.5 makes sense. Thus, they can take any value within an interval. Also, it is measured not counted. Thus, it is a discrete variable.