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Research 201: A Basic Introduction
© Brian Brown 1999-2000. All rights reserved.

Some Common Scaling Systems
A scale is used to represent more than one item or variable. In general, scales are used to indicate preferences or opinions in qualitative research. There are a number of accepted scaling techniques that have been developed.

Thurstone Typically used to measure attitudes towards an object or concept. Thurstone scales are developed by collecting a large number of statements or opinions then these are ranked along an 11-point scale. They are commonly used in psychology and educational research.
Guttman This scale is based on the idea that each item in the scale is arranged in such a way that a person who agrees with an item is also agree with those items that have a less extreme position. These scales are commonly used in public opinion polls.
Likert Opinions are rated on a scale ranging from strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree and strongly disagree. Scores for answers are generally weighted then combined to give a final score.
Semantic Differential This scale seeks to measure the meaning an item has for an individual. An example is to phrase attitudes using bipolar adjectives, such as pleasant/unpleasant and good/bad.

 

The following is a sample question from a survey. What type of scale is being used?

  1. The viewing of soft pornographic movies on TV is harmful to society.
  2. Children should not be allowed to watch these TV shows.
  3. Television channels should not allow these shows to screen on their stations.
  4. The government should ban such shows from TV.

 

The following is a sample question from a survey. What type of scale is being used?

  1. TV stations should be allowed to show soft pornographic movies.

[Stongly agree][Agree][Neutral][Disagree][Strongly Disagree]

 

The following is a sample question from a survey. What type of scale is being used?

Please indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.
Ratings: Strongly Disagree (SD), Disagree (D), Agree (A), Strongly Agree (SA)
                                                                SD D A SA	
Faculty here believe technology can enhance student learning	1  2 3 4

The following is a sample question from a survey. What type of scale is being used?

When the opportunity arises, I cooperate with my partner on projects or activities that are meaningful to us both,

a) usually
b) often
c) occasionally
d) rarely