Question types 2: Likert scale

In the previous article, we focused on closed-ended types of questions (dichotomous, trichotomous and polytomous). We will now introduce you to a worldwide popular type of closed-ended question – the Likert scale.

The Likert scale

This is a specific polytomous question that usually examines a respondent’s attitude, satisfaction, or experience with a particular subject. It is similar to a closed-ended question with a choice from available options, but the answers are fixed and there are usually five of them.

There are several possible forms of using the Likert scale. Its form depends mainly on the purpose of using the question.

Expressed by text

A classical text question describing the respondent’s satisfaction.

Expressed as a percentage

A popular form of the question, using percentage to express the satisfaction.

Expressed by values

A Likert scale using concrete values as options.

Expressed in a graphical way

For instance, asterisks are often used for evaluation (a form a value scale), which you can adjust to your liking. In Survio, The rating can be done on three to ten stars. The ideal number on the Likert scale is, again, five symbols (values).

In the next part of our series, we will focus on another type of closed-ended questions – a matrix of questions.

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