Quantitative + Mixed methods/ Measurement
Likert design
Design ordered responses and justify their scoring
A Likert-type item records an ordered response to a statement, commonly agreement. A Likert scale usually combines several related items into a score. Individual response categories are ordinal; using a composite as approximately continuous needs justification from its construction, distribution and analytical purpose. Response labels, category balance, neutral options and reverse wording can all affect interpretation and response behaviour.
WHEN IT FITS
Use to measure attitudes or perceptions when respondents can meaningfully distinguish ordered categories and a clear construct and scoring plan guide the item set.
Strengths
- Provides an accessible format for subjective judgements
- Multiple carefully designed items can sample a construct broadly
Limitations
- Acquiescence and extreme-response styles can distort scores
- Category numbers do not guarantee equal psychological distances
Know the boundary
A single five-category item is not automatically a validated five-point scale.
USED ACROSS
Banking & financeBusiness & MBAPsychologyComputer scienceEducation