In each of the following scenarios, define the type of measurement scale.

a. An investor collects data on the weekly closing price of gold throughout a year.

b. An analyst assigns a sample o f bond issues to one o f the following credit ratings, given in descending order of credit quality (increasing probability of default): AAA, AA, BBB, BB, CC, D.

c The dean of the business school at a local university categorizes students by m ajor (i.e., accounting, finance, marketing, etc.) to help in determining class offerings in the future. P-7