Which type of data can take an infinite number of values within a continuous range?

Continuous data is characterized by the ability to take on an infinite number of values within a given range. This type of data can include any value, including fractions and decimals, allowing for an unbroken scale that represents measurements. For example, height, weight, temperature, and time are all forms of continuous data because they can be measured in extremely precise increments, and there is no defined gap between potential values.

In contrast, ordinal data consists of ordered categories, which can rank but do not allow for direct mathematical calculations between the values. Nominal data comprises categories without any inherent order or ranking, such as colors or types of animals. Discrete data, on the other hand, represents countable values that typically involve whole numbers, like the number of students in a classroom or the number of pets a family has. Continuous data stands out because of its capacity to encompass a vast range of values that can vary infinitely, making it essential for various scientific and statistical analyses.