1. Match the terms with their definitions.

   1. variable	a) a set of numbers showing the standard or level of something in comparison with other things of the same kind.
   2. scale	b) something that is attached to an object in order to give information about the object.
   3. label	c) something involving or relating to the size or amount of something.
   4. qualitative	d) something that is capable of reflecting variation within a population and is not a constant
   5. quantitative	e) affecting or relating to the standard of something and also to what it is like.

2. Form all possible meaningful word combinations matching the words from the left and the right columns.

   1. birth	a) quantification
   2. quantitative	b) techniques
   3. handle	c) interaction
   4. mental	d) variable
   5. measuring	e) rate
   6. social	f) affiliation
   7. interval	g) instrument
   8. statistical	h) scale
   9. defy	i) ability
   10. religious	j) data

3. Translate the following sentences from the text. Paraphrase them .

1. At any given point in time, the limits of sociological knowledge are set by the level of measurement that is possible.

2. As in ordinary speech, the concept of a variable implies that things exist in amounts of more or less, or occur with greater or lesser frequency.

3. Whether all phenomena in the world exist in amounts that are measurable, there appear to be, at any one time, some variables that defy quantification.

4. Quantitative variables differ in degree while qualitative variables differ in kind.

5. Social scientists attempt to put the foregoing material concerning measurement and quantitative and qualitative variables into perspective by distinguishing among four levels of measurement, ranging from the crudest and least quantitative to the most rigorous and most completely quantitative.

7. Complete the following sentences filling the gaps with the words from the box.

To change, to represent, measured, an amount, relating to, a set of, level, to defy, to remain.

1. A scale is ... numbers which are used in a particular system of measuring something or of showing the standard or ... of something in comparison with other things of the same kind.

2. A variable is something that is likely ... at any time so that you cannot expect it ... the same.

3. This helps explain many things that otherwise ... analysis.

4. If you quantify something you ... it as an amount or number so that it can be counted, ... or compared to other things.

5. A qualitative variable is something affecting or ... the standard of something and also to what it is like.

6. A quantitative variable is something that is represented as ... or number.