What is the difference between continuous and discrete data?

Continuous data can take any value within a range, while discrete data can only take specific, separate values.

Continuous data is like a flowing river; it can take any value within a given range. For example, measurements such as height, weight, and temperature are continuous because they can be any number, including fractions and decimals. Imagine measuring the height of a plant; it could be 15.2 cm, 15.25 cm, or even 15.257 cm. The values are not restricted to whole numbers, and you can always find a value between any two measurements.

On the other hand, discrete data is like a set of stepping stones; it consists of distinct, separate values. These values are often whole numbers and cannot be divided into smaller parts that still make sense in the context. For instance, the number of students in a classroom is discrete data. You can have 20 or 21 students, but not 20.5 students. Other examples include the number of cars in a car park or the number of books on a shelf.

Understanding the difference between continuous and discrete data is crucial for analysing data correctly. When you know the type of data you are working with, you can choose the appropriate methods and tools for analysis. For example, continuous data is often represented using histograms or line graphs, while discrete data is typically shown using bar charts or pie charts. This distinction helps in making accurate interpretations and decisions based on the data.