Clarifying likert scale misconceptions for improved application in urban studies

Abimbola T. Alabi () and Musibau O. Jelili
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Abimbola T. Alabi: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Musibau O. Jelili: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, 2023, vol. 57, issue 2, No 16, 1337-1350

Abstract: Abstract The Likert scale is one of the most widely adopted psychometric tools in social and applied sciences. Its peculiar susceptibility to a medley of misconceptions is however also undeniable. While efforts made at crystallizing some of the specious notions surrounding the Likert scale are propagated, especially in fields like education and sociology, such attempts appear to be rare in built environment disciplines like urban planning. It is against this background that this paper attempts an in-depth exploration of the Likert scale. Using content analysis, the paper integrates information from relevant literature on the Likert scale together with salient observations drawn solely from sampled urban planning studies. It unravels the underpinnings and seeming intricacies of the Likert scale, as well as its misapplications observed in planning literature. Measures to forestall the latter were suitably recommended towards fostering its judicious application in urban planning studies and other related fields.

Keywords: Likert scale; Response format; Summative indexing; Verbal anchors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11135-022-01415-8

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