I had never heard the term Likert-type scale before this class. Most surveys we take are based on a Likert-type scale. A basic Likert-type scale is a set of numbers from one to ten or one to five and we mark our scores based on how we feel about the question. It reminds me of multiple choice test questions, there is always an answer but sometimes it is more complicated than the choices you are given. Here is an example:
Please circle the number that answers the question best for you.
1= not true 3= somewhat true 5= very true
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Do you use the Internet to help with homework?
1 2 3 4 5
Do you often use the same website(s) to find information?
1 2 3 4 5
I found three articles at the King Library to learn more about Likert-type scales. It’s interesting seeing how differences in layout, length of scale, and number of questions influence results. I think writing good survey questions is hard. Now I know it is not just the question but how it is presented that affects results. The three papers also gave me information on the history of Likert- type scales and other sources for further research on writing a good Likert-type survey.
References
Carpita, M., & Manisera, M. (2011). On the Imputation of Missing Data in Surveys with Likert-Type Scales. Journal Of Classification, 28(1), 93-112. doi:10.1007/s00357-011-9074-z
Dawes, J. (2008). Do data characteristics change according to the number of scale points used?. International Journal of Market Research, 50(1), 61.
Hartley, J. , & Betts, L. (2010). Four layouts and a finding: The effects of changes in the order of the verbal labels and numerical values on likert-type scales. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 13(1), 17.