If a probation office records the exact time that a probationer reports in, is the variable that is based on that information discrete or continuous?

The nature of the variable—whether it is discrete or continuous—depends on the precision and nature of the recorded time.

Discrete Variable:

• If the recorded times are exact, specific points in time (e.g., 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM), and there are distinct and separate intervals between these points, then the variable is discrete. Discrete variables take on distinct, separate values and are often counted in whole numbers.

Continuous Variable:

• If the recorded times are measured with a high level of precision and can take on any value within a given range (e.g., 9:15 AM, 9:23 AM), then the variable is continuous. Continuous variables can take on an infinite number of values within a range and are typically measured with some level of precision.

In the context of probation office records, the nature of the variable would depend on whether the times recorded are specific points or if they are measured with precision. If the times are exact and recorded at specific points, it would be a discrete variable. If the times are measured with precision, allowing for a range of values, it would be a continuous variable.