Continuous vs Discrete
Continuous variables such as time, temperature and distance can theoretically be measured at infinitely small points. You can measure time every hour, minute or second. In theory, a second could be divided into infinite points in time. Discrete variables are elements that can be counted such as people, buildings or money. Generally speaking, you can't divide a person, building or penny into smaller units. As such, they can only be counted one way.Example
Ocean currents are continuous data because they can be measured at infinite levels of detail at infinite points in time.The test results of 300 students who write a multiple choice exam with 65 points is discrete because both students and points are counted with no measurements possible inbetween.| Continuous Data vs Discrete Data | ||
Continuous Data | Discrete Data | |
Definition | Information that can be measured at infinite points. | Information that is counted. |
