What is one major problem with ordinal scales mentioned in the text?

The correct choice highlights a significant limitation of ordinal scales. In this context, ordinal scales categorize data into a specific order or ranking, such as "satisfied," "neutral," and "dissatisfied." However, while these scales provide a sequence, they do not convey the precise magnitude of differences between categories. This means that the values assigned to different ranks do not have defined meanings in terms of quantifiable differences, making it challenging to interpret the extent of variation between ranks.

For example, if one participant rates their experience as a "3" on a scale of 1 to 5 and another as a "4," we know that the latter is more favorable but cannot determine how much more favorable it is; the gap between the ranks is not defined. Without a clear understanding of what these rankings signify in terms of measurable outcomes, it becomes problematic to derive meaningful insights or make comparisons based on them.

The other options do not accurately convey the core issue with ordinal scales. Ordinal scales are not necessarily too complicated, as they are often straightforward in their application. They also cannot be accurately multiplied, as the mathematical operations that assume equal intervals are inappropriate for ordinal data. Lastly, while they are designed to organize data, their ease of interpretation varies