When people study things, they will inevitably use data. Data are facts or information in exponential and non numeric form (quoted from ISO3534-2), that is, figures and information that can objectively reflect the facts.
In quality management activities, the important work is to collect, study and analyze quality data.
The classification of quality data includes: measured value and count value.
Count value (discrete data, qualitative data, attribute data) refers to discontinuous data obtained by counting method, which is generally expressed as a positive integer.
Any measurement where the count value does not meet the continuous standard. Such as: properties and attributes; Number of objects; Equipment number, etc.
Note: The counting value can be divided into piece value and point value.
Measurement value (continuous data, quantitative data) refers to continuous data that can be measured with measuring tools.
The measured value is infinitely divisible or continuous variable. Such as: distance, weight, time, temperature, current, height, decibel, etc.
Discrete variables can appear as continuity. For example, 25.71% of customers are between 61 and 65 years old.
Continuous variables can be converted to discrete variables. For example, the arrival time is recorded as "on time" or "late".
