A Method for Constructing Likert Scales

Abstract

Likert scales may be tailored for any given instrument and semantics by performing a pretest using unmarked lines as continuous scales, measuring the distances marked by the respondents, and using cluster analysis to determine the optimal number and placement of scale points for the actual study. The tailor-made scale is likely to produce an instrument of higher precision than one constructed with an arbitrary number of scale points and arbitrary placement of the scale points.