2 Replies to “Likert scales”

  1. Does a Likert scale have to have odd number of choices? (i.e. the choices I’ve seen so far are always in scales of 3, 5, 7)

    1. No. The wikepedia article explains it thus:
      ‘Likert scaling is a bipolar scaling method, measuring either positive or negative response to a statement. Sometimes an even-point scale is used, where the middle option of “Neither agree nor disagree” is not available. This is sometimes called a “forced choice” method, since the neutral option is removed. The neutral option can be seen as an easy option to take when a respondent is unsure, and so whether it is a true neutral option is questionable. It has been shown that when comparing between a 4-point and a 5-point Likert scale, where the former has the neutral option unavailable, the overall difference in the response is negligible.’ That last point cites Armstrong (1987).

      Reference:
      Armstrong, Robert (1987). “The midpoint on a Five-Point Likert-Type Scale”. Perceptual and Motor Skills: Vol 64, pp359-362.

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