Definition of Likert Scale

The Likert Scale is a type of rating scale used in surveys and questionnaires to measure respondents’ attitudes, opinions, beliefs, and perceptions towards a specific topic or statement. It is named after the psychologist Rensis Likert, who developed this method of measurement in the 1930s. The Likert Scale provides a range of responses, typically organized in a sequence from strongly agree to strongly disagree, allowing respondents to express their level of agreement or disagreement with a particular statement.

Features of a Likert Scale

1. Number of Response Options: A Likert Scale usually consists of five to seven response options, although there can be variations. The options are usually labeled using adjectives or phrases that represent varying degrees of agreement or disagreement.

2. Balanced Response Format: The Likert Scale is designed to have an equal number of positive and negative response options, creating a sense of balance. This helps to minimize response bias and provides a more accurate representation of respondents’ attitudes.

3. Neutral Point: A Likert Scale typically includes a neutral response option, often labeled as “neither agree nor disagree” or “neutral.” This allows respondents to indicate neither positive nor negative feelings towards the statement when they are unsure or have no opinion.

4. Order of Response Options: The Likert Scale arranges the response options in a specific order, usually from the least favorable or least agreement to the most favorable or highest agreement. This order helps researchers interpret the data consistently and analyze the overall sentiment of the respondents.

Application of Likert Scale

The Likert Scale is widely used in social sciences, market research, and other fields where subjective measurements are required. It is commonly utilized to assess people’s attitudes, satisfaction levels, perceptions of quality, and opinions on various topics. Researchers can use the Likert Scale to collect quantifiable data, analyze trends, and make comparisons between different samples or groups.