Likert Scales: A Practical Guide to Design, Construction and Use

Identifier:  imarina:9469025

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9469025

Authors:  Ferrando, Pere J; Morales-Vives, Fabia; Casas, Jose M; Muniz, Jose

Abstract:
Background: Likert-type scales, first introduced by Rensis Likert in 1932, have become one of the most widely used assessment tools across a range of scientific and professional domains, owing to their simplicity and effectiveness. The purpose of the present study is to critically review their use and to propose a set of practical guidelines aimed at optimizing their construction, analysis, and application. Method: A systematic literature review of guidelines focused on the development, analysis, scoring, use, and interpretation of Likert scales was carried out. Results: Several key areas for improvement in the construction and use of Likert-type scales were identified, including the operational definition of constructs, item formulation, selection of the number of response categories, response analysis, collection of validity evidence, item calibration, and score interpretation. Conclusions: Based on the findings, a practical guide comprising fifteen recommendations is proposed: ten focused on the appropriate design, construction, and analysis of Likert scales, and five aimed at guiding appropriate use of pre-existing scales by researchers and practitioners.