Final answer:
The level of measurement with implied order but no meaningful distance between values is the ordinal scale. It allows for ranking but does not define the exact differences between ranks, unlike interval or ratio scales which provide measurable differences and ratios respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The level of measurement that has an order implied in the values but no meaningful distance between them is the ordinal scale level. In the case of high school soccer players classified by their athletic ability (superior, average, above average), we are dealing with ordinal level data as these categories clearly have an order of ability from most to least skillful, but the exact differences between the categories are not defined.
Ordinal data can be contrasted with interval scale and ratio scale data. Interval scale data also have a definite ordering; however, the differences between each data point can be measured and are meaningful, such as temperature measurements in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. Ratio scale data includes a true zero point, allowing for the calculation of ratios, such as lengths or weights. Therefore, 80 is indeed four times 20, as there is a true zero point, denoting no length or weight.
Examples of the ordinal scale in research surveys could include responses to questions like 'How would you rate the service you received?' with answers arranged from excellent to unsatisfactory. While there is an order, the precise difference between 'excellent' and 'good' is not quantifiable.