A scale is a ratio used to represent the size of figures and objects on maps and blueprints. It also helps to fit drawings onto standard sizes of paper.
Also called a map scale.
Definition
A scale is a ratio used to represent the size of a figure or object on a model. It helps people work with real-world objects that are too large to hold or make in their original sizes. For example, engineers use scale models to create blueprints for building construction. Scales are also used to shrink vast lands into smaller sheets of paper like maps, or to help architects and machine-makers plan the construction of new buildings.
Musicians use scales to create melodies. Highly developed systems of scales are used in a number of cultures, such as India, Iran, and Muslim countries. These scales are often called grama, dastgah, or maqam.
In statistics, there are four levels of scale variables; nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. The level of scale a variable has affects the kinds of statistical tests that can be performed on it. For example, interval scale variables are more useful for collecting quantitative data than categorical or dichotomous variables.
Examples
A scale is used in a number of different ways. It is important to understand the concept of scale in order to interpret information correctly. Scale can be used to measure the size of an object or to compare two objects. It is also important to know what scale is being used when interpreting data from a survey.
For example, if a survey asks participants to rate how effective certain treatments were, the results can be analyzed using an interval scale. This type of scale allows for the addition and subtraction of the responses to the question. It also allows for the calculation of meaningful differences between responses. For example, if Amar took 2.3 seconds to respond to the question, and Becky took 3.1 seconds, the difference would be 0.8 seconds.
Another important use of scale is to create a plan for statistical analysis. Ratio scale variables have the ability to be systematically added, subtracted, multiplied and divided (ratio). This unique property makes it easy to calculate the mean, mode, and median. The ratio scale can even be used to calculate chi-square.
Proportions
Scale and proportion can be used to create aesthetically pleasing artwork or design. For example, if a sculpture is larger than the average human, it can make the figure seem more godlike. A building can also be considered a work of art when it is well proportioned and designed. For instance, if the columns are perfectly aligned with each other, it is more attractive than buildings that ignore proportions.
In science, understanding scale is important because it helps students compare the sizes of objects and understand distances between planets in our solar system. Students can also use proportion to analyze ratios such as calculating the number of water molecules in oceans or investigating the predator-to-prey ratios of species.
Proportion is a specific concept that refers to the relative size of components that compose an object. For instance, a person’s eyes are typically smaller than their face and shoulders should be wider than hips to create a more classically beautiful appearance.
Composition
Scales are built around the ‘tone-semitone’ patterns that create musical tones and intervals within what is called an octave. The ‘do re mi fa so la ti do’ pattern that we all recognise from The Sound of Music is a scale. Practising scales helps musicians understand where melodies and harmonies are likely to travel – and this makes it easier for them to learn new pieces of music.
While the number of possible scales is virtually infinite, particular scales tend to become conventionalised in the tone systems of specific cultures or traditions. This is largely because of the way that scales are used in art music and, especially, in the more sophisticated, highly-developed cultures where professional composers and performers exist.
The simplest of these is the point scale, defined by the magnitude of the point on the map