Identify whether the texts in bold are discrete or continuous variables:

Question

Unprecedented measures have been adopted to control the rapid spread of the ongoing

COVID-19 epidemic in China. People’s adherence to control measures is affected by their

knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19. In this study, we investigated

Chinese residents’ KAP towards COVID-19 during the rapid rise period of the outbreak. An

online sample of Chinese residents was successfully recruited via the authors’ networks with

residents and popular media in Hubei, China. A self-developed online KAP questionnaire was

completed by the participants. The knowledge questionnaire consisted of 12 questions

regarding the clinical characteristics and prevention of COVID-19. Assessments on residents’

attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 included questions on confidence in winning the

battle against COVID-19 and wearing masks when going out in recent days. Among the survey

completers (n=6910), 65.7% were women, 63.5% held a bachelor degree or above, and 56.2%

engaged in mental labor. The overall correct rate of the knowledge questionnaire was 90%. The

majority of the respondents (97.1%) had confidence that China can win the battle against

COVID-19. Nearly all of the participants (98.0%) wore masks when going out in recent days. In

multiple logistic regression analyses, the COVID-19 knowledge score (OR: 0.75-0.90, P<0.001)

was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of negative attitudes and preventive

practices towards COVID-2019. Most Chinese residents of a relatively high socioeconomic

status, in particular women, are knowledgeable about COVID-19, hold optimistic attitudes, and

have appropriate practices towards COVID-19. Health education programs aimed at improving

COVID-19 knowledge are helpful for Chinese residents to hold optimistic attitudes and maintain

appropriate practices. Due to the limited sample representativeness, we must be cautious when

generalizing these findings to populations of a low socioeconomic status.

Independent variable _________________________________

Dependent variable __________________________________

List a maximum of 3:

A. Nominal variable: ________________________________________

B. Ordinal: ________________________________________

C. Interval: ________________________________________

D. Ratio: ________________________________________

Answer 1

Continuous variables are variables whose values vary based on the range (-∞,+∞). Since the variables, theoretically, can go to infinity, continuous variables can include variables such as

1. How much money in dollars in salary.
2. How many people are in the US.
3. How much time does it take to perform a surgery?
4. Test scores

Technically, although test scores often do not go anywhere near values like infinite, they are treated as continuous variables for all intents and purposes.

Discrete variables are variables that have a limited amount of categories or are binary in nature.

Examples

1. Did you go to school today (Yes or No) only two values exist.
2. Socioeconomic status (Low, Middle, Upper)
3. Nationality (Based on country of origin)

Now based on these criteria, let's answer your question.

bachelor degree or above : Which means you can have Bachelor, Masters, or professional degrees, which are discrete categories.

socioeconomic status : Lower, Middle, Upper, so discrete.

knowledge score: Scores are traditionally treated as continuous variables.

engaged in mental labor: This seems like a binary variable, meaning, "does your job involve mental labor, yes or no." Thus... Discrete.