Discrete And Continuous Variables

Variables can be defined as any aspect of a theory that can vary or change as part of the interaction within the theory. In other words, variables are anything that can affect or change the results of a study. Every study has variables as these are needed in order to understand differences.

The best way to explain the difference between discrete and continuous variables is by means of examples:

A continuous variable is a variable that can assume any value, including fractional values, within a certain range, in other words, it has infinite values and can change infinitely, e.g.:

• Air pressure
• Time to complete a task
• The temperature in Cape town

A discrete variable is a variable that can potentially assume only certain values, in other words, it can be counted, e.g.:

• Number of cars in the parking lot
• Ratings on a 5 point scale
• Male vs. Female
• Outcome on a dice
• Number of people in Cape Town

Continuous variables are difficult to work within statistics; therefore we often change them to be more ‘measurable’, by using liked scales/5-point scales, e.g. temperature:

Click here to view a video that explains the types of variables.

Click here to view a video that explains discrete and continuous data.