How to Make a Likert Scale

A Likert scale is a type of rating scale that is used to measure attitudes, beliefs, or opinions. It is named after Rensis Likert, who developed the scale in the 1930s. Likert scales are widely used in social science research, as well as in marketing and customer satisfaction surveys.

A Likert scale typically consists of a series of statements or questions, each of which is followed by a set of response options. The response options usually range from “Strongly agree” to “Strongly disagree,” with a neutral option in the middle. Respondents are asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with each statement or question by selecting the appropriate response option.

In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a Likert scale. We will also discuss the different types of Likert scales and their applications.

How To Make Likert Scale

Here are 9 important points to keep in mind when making a Likert scale:

Define the purpose of the scale.
Develop a list of statements or questions.
Use a balanced set of response options.
Keep the scale concise.
Pilot test the scale.
Use a scoring system.
Interpret the results.
Avoid bias.
Use a consistent format.

By following these tips, you can create a Likert scale that is reliable and valid.

Define the purpose of the scale.

The first step in creating a Likert scale is to define the purpose of the scale. What do you want to measure? What information do you need to collect? Once you know the purpose of the scale, you can start to develop a list of statements or questions that will help you measure the desired construct.

For example, if you want to measure customer satisfaction with a new product, you might develop a Likert scale that includes statements such as:

I am satisfied with the product’s performance.
The product is easy to use.
I would recommend this product to others.

These statements are designed to measure different aspects of customer satisfaction. By using a Likert scale, you can collect data on how customers feel about each of these aspects.

It is important to define the purpose of the scale before you start developing the statements or questions. This will help you to ensure that the scale is relevant and useful for your research or evaluation purposes.

Once you have defined the purpose of the scale, you can move on to the next step: developing a list of statements or questions.

Develop a list of statements or questions.

Once you have defined the purpose of your Likert scale, you can start to develop a list of statements or questions. These statements or questions should be designed to measure the construct that you are interested in. For example, if you are interested in measuring customer satisfaction, you might develop a list of statements such as:

Statement: I am satisfied with the product’s performance.
Details: This statement measures the customer’s satisfaction with the product’s performance. It is important to use clear and concise language when writing your statements or questions.
Statement: The product is easy to use.
Details: This statement measures the customer’s perception of the product’s ease of use. It is important to avoid using jargon or technical terms that your respondents may not understand.
Statement: I would recommend this product to others.
Details: This statement measures the customer’s likelihood to recommend the product to others. It is important to use a balanced set of statements or questions, meaning that you should include both positive and negative statements.
Statement: I am dissatisfied with the product’s customer service.
Details: This statement measures the customer’s dissatisfaction with the product’s customer service. It is important to use neutral language when writing your statements or questions.

Once you have developed a list of statements or questions, you can move on to the next step: using a balanced set of response options.

Use a balanced set of response options.

When creating a Likert scale, it is important to use a balanced set of response options. This means that you should include both positive and negative response options, as well as a neutral option. For example, a 5-point Likert scale might include the following response options:

Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree

By using a balanced set of response options, you can ensure that your respondents are able to express their opinions accurately. If you only use positive response options, then your respondents may feel pressured to agree with the statements or questions, even if they do not actually agree. Similarly, if you only use negative response options, then your respondents may feel pressured to disagree with the statements or questions, even if they do actually agree.

It is also important to avoid using biased language in your response options. For example, you should avoid using words like “good” or “bad” in your response options, as these words can influence respondents’ answers. Instead, you should use neutral language that does not favor one side or the other.

By using a balanced set of response options and avoiding biased language, you can create a Likert scale that is fair and unbiased.

Once you have used a balanced set of response options, you can move on to the next step: keeping the scale concise.

Keep the scale concise.

When creating a Likert scale, it is important to keep the scale concise. This means that you should only include the statements or questions that are essential to measuring the construct that you are interested in. A long and complex scale can be difficult for respondents to complete, and it may also lead to fatigue or boredom. As a result, respondents may not answer the questions accurately or completely.

To keep your scale concise, focus on the most important statements or questions. You can also use a shorter response scale, such as a 5-point scale or a 7-point scale. Shorter scales are easier for respondents to complete, and they can also be more reliable and valid.

Here are some tips for keeping your scale concise:

Use clear and concise language.
Avoid using jargon or technical terms.
Keep the statements or questions short and to the point.
Use a shorter response scale, such as a 5-point scale or a 7-point scale.

By keeping your scale concise, you can ensure that your respondents are able to complete the scale quickly and easily. This will lead to more accurate and reliable data.

Once you have kept the scale concise, you can move on to the next step: pilot testing the scale.

Pilot test the scale.

Once you have developed a Likert scale, it is important to pilot test the scale before using it in a large-scale study. Pilot testing involves administering the scale to a small group of respondents to identify any problems with the scale. For example, the pilot test may reveal that some of the statements or questions are unclear or that the response options are not balanced.

Identify problems with the scale: The pilot test can help you to identify any problems with the scale, such as unclear statements or questions, biased response options, or a lack of reliability or validity.
Refine the scale: Based on the results of the pilot test, you can refine the scale to improve its reliability and validity. For example, you may need to rewrite some of the statements or questions, add or remove response options, or change the scoring system.
Ensure the scale is ready for use: Once you have refined the scale, you can be confident that it is ready for use in a large-scale study.
Get feedback from respondents: The pilot test can also provide you with valuable feedback from respondents. For example, respondents may provide feedback on the clarity of the statements or questions, the length of the scale, or the difficulty of the response options.

By pilot testing your scale, you can ensure that it is reliable, valid, and ready for use in a large-scale study.

Use a scoring system.

Once you have developed a Likert scale, you need to develop a scoring system to assign numerical values to the responses. This will allow you to calculate the mean score for each statement or question, as well as the overall score for the scale.

Assign numerical values to the responses: The most common scoring system is to assign numerical values to the response options, with higher values indicating more positive responses. For example, you might assign the following values to the response options on a 5-point Likert scale:
- Strongly agree = 5
- Agree = 4
- Neutral = 3
- Disagree = 2
- Strongly disagree = 1
Calculate the mean score for each statement or question: Once you have assigned numerical values to the responses, you can calculate the mean score for each statement or question. The mean score is simply the average of the numerical values for all of the responses to that statement or question.
Calculate the overall score for the scale: Once you have calculated the mean score for each statement or question, you can calculate the overall score for the scale. The overall score is simply the average of the mean scores for all of the statements or questions on the scale.
Use the scoring system to interpret the results: Once you have calculated the overall score for the scale, you can use the scoring system to interpret the results. For example, you might use the following scoring system to interpret the results of a 5-point Likert scale:
- Overall score of 4.0 or higher = Positive
- Overall score between 3.0 and 3.9 = Neutral
- Overall score of 2.9 or lower = Negative

By using a scoring system, you can assign numerical values to the responses on your Likert scale and calculate the mean score for each statement or question, as well as the overall score for the scale. This will allow you to interpret the results of your survey or evaluation.

Interpret the results.

Once you have calculated the overall score for your Likert scale, you need to interpret the results. This involves understanding what the scores mean and how they can be used to make decisions.

The first step in interpreting the results is to look at the mean score for each statement or question. This will tell you how respondents felt about each individual statement or question. For example, if the mean score for a statement is high, then this indicates that respondents generally agree with that statement. Conversely, if the mean score for a statement is low, then this indicates that respondents generally disagree with that statement.

Once you have looked at the mean scores for each statement or question, you can then look at the overall score for the scale. This will tell you how respondents felt about the overall topic or issue that the scale is measuring. For example, if the overall score for a scale is high, then this indicates that respondents generally have a positive attitude towards the topic or issue. Conversely, if the overall score for a scale is low, then this indicates that respondents generally have a negative attitude towards the topic or issue.

You can also use the results of your Likert scale to compare different groups of respondents. For example, you might compare the responses of males and females, or the responses of different age groups. This can help you to identify any differences in attitudes or opinions between different groups of people.

By interpreting the results of your Likert scale, you can gain valuable insights into the attitudes and opinions of your respondents. This information can be used to make informed decisions about products, services, or policies.

Avoid bias.

When creating a Likert scale, it is important to avoid bias. Bias can occur when the scale is designed in a way that favors one side of the issue or another. For example, a biased scale might use leading questions or emotionally charged language.

Use neutral language: Avoid using emotionally charged language or leading questions. Instead, use neutral language that does not favor one side of the issue or another.
Balance the response options: Make sure that the response options are balanced, meaning that there are an equal number of positive and negative response options. Avoid using response options that are extreme or biased.
Pilot test the scale: Pilot testing the scale can help you to identify any potential sources of bias. Administer the scale to a small group of respondents and ask them to provide feedback on the clarity and fairness of the scale.
Be aware of your own biases: As the researcher, it is important to be aware of your own biases. This will help you to avoid creating a scale that is biased towards your own point of view.

By avoiding bias, you can create a Likert scale that is fair and unbiased. This will ensure that the results of your survey or evaluation are accurate and reliable.

Use a consistent format.

When creating a Likert scale, it is important to use a consistent format. This means that all of the statements or questions should be presented in the same way, and the response options should be consistent across all of the statements or questions.

Using a consistent format will make it easier for respondents to complete the scale, and it will also help to ensure that the results are reliable and valid. Here are some tips for using a consistent format:

Use the same font and font size for all of the statements or questions.
Use the same response options for all of the statements or questions.
Place the response options in the same order for all of the statements or questions.
Use clear and concise language for all of the statements or questions and response options.

By using a consistent format, you can create a Likert scale that is easy to complete and understand. This will lead to more accurate and reliable results.

Once you have used a consistent format, you have completed the process of creating a Likert scale. You can now administer the scale to your respondents and collect data.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to make a Likert scale:

Question 1: What is a Likert scale?
Answer 1: A Likert scale is a type of rating scale that is used to measure attitudes, beliefs, or opinions. It is named after Rensis Likert, who developed the scale in the 1930s.

Question 2: How do I use a Likert scale?
Answer 2: A Likert scale typically consists of a series of statements or questions, each of which is followed by a set of response options. Respondents are asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with each statement or question by selecting the appropriate response option.

Question 3: What are the different types of Likert scales?
Answer 3: There are two main types of Likert scales: unipolar and bipolar. Unipolar scales use response options that range from one extreme to another, such as “Strongly agree” to “Strongly disagree.” Bipolar scales use response options that range from a positive extreme to a negative extreme, such as “Very satisfied” to “Very dissatisfied.”

Question 4: How do I develop a Likert scale?
Answer 4: To develop a Likert scale, you will need to define the purpose of the scale, develop a list of statements or questions, use a balanced set of response options, keep the scale concise, pilot test the scale, use a scoring system, interpret the results, avoid bias, and use a consistent format.

Question 5: What are some tips for creating a good Likert scale?
Answer 5: Here are some tips for creating a good Likert scale:

Define the purpose of the scale clearly.
Develop a list of statements or questions that are relevant to the purpose of the scale.
Use a balanced set of response options.
Keep the scale concise.
Pilot test the scale to identify any problems.
Use a scoring system to assign numerical values to the responses.
Interpret the results carefully.
Avoid bias.
Use a consistent format.

Question 6: What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a Likert scale?
Answer 6: Here are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a Likert scale:

Using biased language.
Using too many response options.
Using a scale that is too long.
Not pilot testing the scale.
Not interpreting the results carefully.

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By following these tips, you can create a Likert scale that is reliable, valid, and easy to use. Likert scales are a valuable tool for measuring attitudes, beliefs, and opinions, and they can be used in a variety of research and evaluation settings.

Tips

Here are four tips for creating a good Likert scale:

Tip 1: Define the purpose of the scale clearly. What do you want to measure? What information do you need to collect? Once you know the purpose of the scale, you can start to develop a list of statements or questions that will help you measure the desired construct.

Tip 2: Use a balanced set of response options. This means that you should include both positive and negative response options, as well as a neutral option. For example, a 5-point Likert scale might include the following response options: Strongly agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly disagree.

Tip 3: Keep the scale concise. A long and complex scale can be difficult for respondents to complete, and it may also lead to fatigue or boredom. As a result, respondents may not answer the questions accurately or completely. To keep your scale concise, focus on the most important statements or questions.

Tip 4: Pilot test the scale. Once you have developed a Likert scale, it is important to pilot test the scale before using it in a large-scale study. Pilot testing involves administering the scale to a small group of respondents to identify any problems with the scale. For example, the pilot test may reveal that some of the statements or questions are unclear or that the response options are not balanced.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

Conclusion

Likert scales are a valuable tool for measuring attitudes, beliefs, and opinions. They are relatively easy to create and administer, and they can provide reliable and valid data. However, it is important to follow best practices when creating a Likert scale to ensure that the results are accurate and meaningful.

In this article, we have provided a step-by-step guide on how to make a Likert scale. We have also discussed the different types of Likert scales, their applications, and some common mistakes to avoid. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can create a Likert scale that will help you to collect valuable data for your research or evaluation.

Closing Message:

We encourage you to use Likert scales in your own research and evaluation projects. They are a powerful tool for measuring attitudes, beliefs, and opinions, and they can provide valuable insights into the human experience.