Shape Measures for the Distribution of a Qualitative Variable

Abstract

There are several shape measures for quantitative variables, some of which can also be applied to ordinal variables. In quantitative variables, symmetry, peakedness, and kurtosis are essential properties to evaluate the deviation from assumptions, particularly normality. They aid in selecting the most appropriate method for estimating parameters and testing hypotheses. Initially, these properties serve a descriptive role in qualitative variables. Once defined, they can be considered to check for non-compliance with assumptions and to propose modifications for testing procedures. The objective of this article is to present three measures of the shape of the distribution of a qualitative variable. The concepts of qualitative asymmetry and peakedness are defined. The measurement of the first concept involves calculating the average frequency difference between qualitative categories matched by frequency homogeneity or proximity. For the second concept, the peak-to-shoulder difference and the qualitative percentile kurtosis are taken into consideration. This last measurement is a less effective option than the peak-to-shoulder difference to measure peakedness. A simulated example of the application of these three measures is given and the paper closes with some conclusions and suggestions.