Why Do We Use 5-point Likert Scale?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The 5-point Likert scale is

simple to understand and use for survey administrators and respondents alike

. It takes less time and effort to complete than higher-point scales. … Allows for a lower margin of error; any scale without a neutral option can distort results and bring the validity of survey results into question.

What is the main reason to use a Likert scale?

A Likert scale is an ordered scale from which respondents choose one option that best aligns with their view. It is often used to

measure respondents’ attitudes by asking the extent to which they agree or disagree with a particular question or statement

.

Should we use a 5 or 7 point Likert scale what’s better and why?


7-point scales are slightly better

The short answer is that 7-point scales are a little better than 5-points—but not by much. The psychometric literature suggests that having more scale points is better but there is a diminishing return after around 11 points (Nunnally 1978).

What is a 5 point Likert scale?

Definition. A type of psychometric response scale in which responders specify their level of agreement to a statement typically in five points: (1)

Strongly disagree

; (2) Disagree; (3) Neither agree nor disagree; (4) Agree; (5) Strongly agree.

Is 5 point or 7 point Likert scale better?

In my opinion, in order to avoid confusion and get reliable answer,

5- point scale is better than 7- point scale

. There is no preferred measurement in likert scale. You can use 4,5,6,7 or 8 will give you the same result.

Should I use middle position on Likert scale?

You insert a midpoint on the Likert scale

to allow respondents to express a neutral opinion between disagreement on one side and agreement on the other

. … For a midpoint of neutrality, neutral or neither agree nor disagree are often used.

Why are Likert scales bad?

The problem with a Likert scale is that the scale [of very satisfied, quite satisfied, neutral, quite dissatisfied, very dissatisfied, for example]

produces ordinal data

. … So it would seem that is wrong to calculate means from Likert scales.

What is the 5 point rating scale?

Scale Rating 5 points (Pass) Excellent. Exceptional Mastery. Much more than acceptable. 4 points (Pass) Very Good. Full Performance Behaviours. Above average. 3 points (Pass) Good. Acceptable. Satisfactory Average 2 points (Fail) Weak. Less than Acceptable

What is the benefit of using 7-point Likert scale?

Seven-point Likert items have been shown to be

more accurate, easier to use, and a better reflection of a respondent’s true evaluation

. In light of all these advantages, even when compared to higher-order items, 7-point items appear to be the best solution for questionnaires such as those used in usability evaluations.

Which is better 4 point Likert scale or 5 point Likert scale?

A 4 point Likert scale is observed to distort the results. A

5 point Likert scale

data is more accurate than the 4 point data. Respondents might not answer at all. In many cases, it is preferable to know that they were neutral rather than having them not answer the question at all.

How do you calculate a 5-point Likert scale?

To determine the minimum and the maximum length of the 5-point Likert type scale, the range is calculated by

(5 − 1 = 4) then divided by five as it is the greatest value of the scale

(4 ÷ 5 = 0.80). Afterwards, number one which is the least value in the scale was added in order to identify the maximum of this cell.

How do I choose a Likert scale?

  1. Keep it labeled. Numbered scales that only use numbers instead of words as response options may give survey respondents trouble, since they might not know which end of the range is positive or negative.
  2. Keep it odd. …
  3. Keep it continuous. …
  4. Keep it inclusive. …
  5. Keep it logical.

Is Likert scale always of five levels?

The most widely used is the Likert scale (1932). In its final form, the Likert scale is a five (or seven) point scale which is used to allow the individual to express

how

much they agree or disagree with a particular statement.

How many items should be on a Likert scale?

A Likert scale consists of an

average or sum of multiple Likert items

. Responses are coded typically from 1 to 5 and averaged or summed (although any set of numbers would work, such as from 0 to 4). For example, the SUPR-Q uses an 8-item Likert scale and averages the responses from 1 to 5.

Can a Likert scale have 10 points?

A 10 point

Likert scale increases accuracy

. … Also when you use an even number scale rather than an odd number,you get the samples opinion towards negative or positive. The 5 and 7 point scales have a neutral point of opinion which is useless for use researchers.

What are the limitations of Likert scale?

Item Likert disadvantages

On one side, two people can get the same value in the Likert scale by having chosen different options.

Is difficult to treat neutral opinions as “Neither agree or disagree”

. Respondents tend to agree to the statements showed. This phenomenon is called acquiescence bias.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.