Alteryx Foundation Micro-Credential Practice Exam

Which data type is often utilized in surveys and questionnaires?

1. Numeric data

2. Categorical data

3. Independent data

4. Ordinal data

The correct answer is: Categorical data

Surveys and questionnaires commonly utilize categorical data because this type of data allows respondents to provide answers that fall into specific categories or groups. For instance, questions about preferences, demographics, and opinions typically require respondents to select from a set of predefined options, such as "Yes/No," "Male/Female," or different rating categories. Categorical data is essential in analyzing responses for frequency and distribution across the defined groups. This allows researchers to understand patterns and trends within the data by summarizing responses into meaningful categories. While ordinal data also plays a role in surveys, particularly when responses indicate rank or order (such as rating scales), categorical data encompasses a broader range of responses without an inherent order among categories. Hence, categorical data is frequently the primary data type collected in surveys and questionnaires.