<p>I'd recommend an ordinal scale. </p>

<p>A nominal scale just labels classes without a &lt; or > relation. Using this you would be limited to "immersive" and "not immersive" type of answers. This runs into the danger that experimental subjects might classify all your conditions as immersive or non-immersive respectively. That is, you might get little information. </p>

<p>An ordinal scale is a set of ordered levels with a &lt; or > relation. A 5-point Likert scale like "not immersive at all / a little immersive / moderately immersive / highly immersive/complete immersion" would be an example. In case immersiveness is binary, it would show as all answers falling into only two levels of your scale. That is, you do not lose anything. As an experimental subject, I'd understand such instructions and a rating scale. This is what I'd take. </p>

<p>An interval scale requires a quantitative comparison. For example, the difference between 350ms and 370ms reaction time is as large as between 200ms and 220ms. For immersiveness I do not know of such a scale. Therefore it does not seem an option for you. </p>

<p>There is a further rational scale. But it is even more demanding. </p>

<p>A nice explanation of scales is on <a href="https://www.mymarketresearchmethods.com/types-of-data-nominal-ordinal-interval-ratio/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.mymarketresearchmethods.com/types-of-data-nominal-ordinal-interval-ratio/</a> </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-08-08T20:16:00.330Z
2019-08-08T20:16:00.330Z
Peter König
<p>I am currently working on immersion and how it can be quantified. One of the problems I have run into is how to determine which scale to use?</p>

<p>I have performed a literature review but have not obtained any insight. Since I do not know if immersion is a binary or graded experience, how should I decide on which scale to use? </p>

<p>Can I use an interval scale and then obtain nominal values from that? If yes, which methods are available? </p>

<p>I highly appreciate your help!</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-08-07T06:40:34.337Z
Welcome to Psychology.SE. Can you please provide some internet references regarding the topic you are talking about? This way a definition on immersion can be ascertained as the definition can be different depending on what subject you are talking about in the realm of psychology and neuroscience.
Chris Rogers
<measurement><methodology><experiment-design>
How to determine which scale to use: Nominal vs Interval?
Sam
# How to determine which scale to use: Nominal vs Interval?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2019-08-06)

I am currently working on immersion and how it can be quantified. One of the problems I have run into is how to determine which scale to use?

I have performed a literature review but have not obtained any insight. Since I do not know if immersion is a binary or graded experience, how should I decide on which scale to use?

Can I use an interval scale and then obtain nominal values from that? If yes, which methods are available?

I highly appreciate your help!

**Tags:** measurement, methodology, experiment-design

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Welcome to Psychology.SE. Can you please provide some internet references regarding the topic you are talking about? This way a definition on immersion can be ascertained as the definition can be different depending on what subject you are talking about in the realm of psychology and neuroscience.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2019-08-08. Score: 1

I'd recommend an ordinal scale.

A nominal scale just labels classes without a < or > relation. Using this you would be limited to "immersive" and "not immersive" type of answers. This runs into the danger that experimental subjects might classify all your conditions as immersive or non-immersive respectively. That is, you might get little information.

An ordinal scale is a set of ordered levels with a < or > relation. A 5-point Likert scale like "not immersive at all / a little immersive / moderately immersive / highly immersive/complete immersion" would be an example. In case immersiveness is binary, it would show as all answers falling into only two levels of your scale. That is, you do not lose anything. As an experimental subject, I'd understand such instructions and a rating scale. This is what I'd take.

An interval scale requires a quantitative comparison. For example, the difference between 350ms and 370ms reaction time is as large as between 200ms and 220ms. For immersiveness I do not know of such a scale. Therefore it does not seem an option for you.

There is a further rational scale. But it is even more demanding.

A nice explanation of scales is on <https://www.mymarketresearchmethods.com/types-of-data-nominal-ordinal-interval-ratio/>


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