What type of data is best represented by differing sizes of the same shapes?

The best representation of data through differing sizes of the same shapes is associated with ordinal and interval data. This is because ordinal data provides a rank order, which can be illustrated by variations in the size of shapes to represent different categories or levels within that order. For instance, larger shapes can indicate higher rankings or values, while smaller shapes can signify lower rankings.

Interval data, on the other hand, involves measurable quantities where the difference between values is meaningful. Using varying sizes of shapes to convey interval data can clearly depict these measurable differences. The size can provide visual cues about the magnitude of the intervals, making it easier to compare values.

In contrast, nominal data refers to categories without any rank order, meaning size distinctions do not carry meaningful information. Qualitative data provides descriptive characteristics but lacks numerical value, so size differences would not be relevant. Thus, the combination of ordinal and interval data is most effectively represented through sizes of shapes, making this choice appropriate.