# Are the variable types here considered correct?

If we want to determine the variable types, will it be as follows for the below variables?

Age ---> quantitative, discrete (we can count)

Fitness ---> If the values that we will enter here are 0 and 1 only, will the type of this variable be qualitative, nominal?

Thanks a lot.

• How would such a determination help you with your analysis? One good answer, found in many places on this site, is not at all. Indeed, this (Stevens') classification of variables has been criticized (justifiably, IMHO) for unnecessarily limiting the analyst's options. This suggests you might get more value from this site by forgetting about variable type altogether and asking the questions that I suspect may be lurking beneath the surface here, questions concerning how to understand and analyze your data.
– whuber
Apr 3 '12 at 16:06
• BTW, there are important distinctions between counted data and other types of data. The issue is not that of discrete versus continuous, but of expectations (and theoretical limitations) concerning their statistical behavior. Although age is definitely not a count, it can be considered discrete or continuous depending on one's analytical objectives and capabilities.
– whuber
Apr 3 '12 at 16:08
• If it is not too late, you might collect date of birth and then calculate age. The variable would then be continuous. Also, people remember their date of birth, but sometimes not their age. Aug 1 '12 at 21:08
• @whuber, would you please provide a link to one or more of the pages on this site on the topic of Steven's levels of measurement? Thanks. Aug 1 '12 at 21:11
• @Joel Search the site for "Stevens". One that turns up is Does it ever make sense to treat categorical data as continuous?. It also uncovers my partial criticism.
– whuber
Aug 1 '12 at 21:16