Discrete data are data that can be measured in whole units.

• A. Data that can assume any value on a continuum
• B. Data measured in whole units
• C. Data that represent categories
• D. Data that are derived from time intervals

Answer: (B)

Discrete data are data that come in separate, indivisible units and can be counted. They are described by whole numbers because you’re counting whole items, not measuring parts of items. This is different from continuous data, which can take any value along a continuum and are often measured with fractions, like height, weight, or temperature.

The statement that data are measured in whole units captures the essence of discrete data because it highlights the counting nature—items exist as separate units you can tally exactly. In contrast, data that can assume any value on a continuum describe continuous data; data that represent categories refer to qualitative or nominal data, not necessarily about counting units; and data derived from time intervals may be discrete or continuous depending on how they’re measured, but it doesn’t define discreteness itself.

So the description of data being measured in whole units best fits discrete data.