Some problems want bins. Others want measuring rulers. Calling students “on-time/late” highlights a threshold; logging “minutes late” reveals a gradient. Both are true… just different truths. Categories are for commitments (“Do we intervene?”). Quantities are for improvement (“By how much?”). If you’re stuck, ask: What conversation do I want to change: policy or practice? Then let the variable fit the intention. When your measure fits the mission, action becomes obvious. Start with a categorical version to clarify decisions. Layer the quantitative version to sharpen them.
