Choosing Response Categories for Summated Rating Scales
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1976
Keywords
scaling of agreement & evaluation & frequency response categories, summated rating scales with equal intervals, college students
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.61.3.374
Abstract
Argues that the selection of response categories for summated rating (Likert) scales is often made arbitrarily; however, the equal interval properties of the response continuum is assumed even though this assumption may in fact, be false. To avoid the problems that unequal intervals might cause, it is suggested that equal interval categories be used. To this end, 3 lists of commonly used categories (agreement, evaluation, and frequency) were scaled, using data from 107 undergraduates. The scale values are presented to aid the researcher in choosing response categories; however, it is suggested that separate scale values be derived for each population sampled.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Journal of Applied Psychology, v. 61, issue 3, p. 374-375
Scholar Commons Citation
Spector, Paul E., "Choosing Response Categories for Summated Rating Scales" (1976). Psychology Faculty Publications. 611.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/psy_facpub/611
