Which type of data is classified as categorical data?

Categorical data consists of distinct categories or groups that represent qualitative characteristics rather than numerical values. Nominal data, a subtype of categorical data, includes categories without any inherent order or ranking. Examples of nominal data include gender, eye color, or types of fruit.

In contrast, the other types of data mentioned—ratio and interval—are classified as quantitative data. They deal with numerical values that can be measured or counted and possess inherent mathematical properties. Ordinal data, while also a form of categorical data, includes categories that have a specific order or ranking (such as small, medium, large), but does not measure the distance between those ranks.

By understanding the distinction between these types of data, it's clear why nominal data is accurately classified as categorical.