Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Practice Exam

Attribute data refers to information that can be counted and categorized, which is why discrete data or counted data is considered the correct answer. This type of data is often used in quality assurance and auditing to denote characteristics that can be evaluated against a standard or specification.

In attribute data, each observation is generally classified into one of a limited number of categories, such as pass/fail, yes/no, or defect/no defect. This allows for straightforward counting, where analysts can tally the number of items that meet specific criteria, making it a valuable tool for process control and quality improvement.

Understanding the context of attribute data helps to differentiate it from continuous data, which can take on any value within a range and includes measurements such as weight or temperature. Descriptive data generally refers to summarizing information rather than focusing on the binary classifications in attribute data. Lastly, while qualitative data may seem related, as it pertains to descriptions and characteristics, it does not specifically emphasize the counting aspect that defines attribute data. Thus, discrete data or counted data aligns perfectly with the characteristics of attribute data.