What aspect characterizes data that is classified as 'continuous'?

Data classified as 'continuous' is characterized by its ability to take on any value within a specified range. This includes not only whole numbers but also fractions and decimals, allowing for an infinite number of possible values within that range. For instance, measurements such as height, weight, temperature, and time can have values like 5.2, 5.25, or 5.253, demonstrating that continuous data can represent precision and variability in measurements.

This concept is fundamentally different from discrete data, which can only take specific, countable values, such as the number of people in a room or the number of cars in a parking lot. Continuous data reflects a broader spectrum of possibilities within its defined boundaries, which is essential for accurately capturing and analyzing real-world phenomena.