Response scale overstretch: linear stretching of response scales does not ensure cross-project equivalence in harmonised data

Piotr Cichocki () and Piotr Jabkowski
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Piotr Cichocki: Adam Mickiewicz University
Piotr Jabkowski: Adam Mickiewicz University

Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, 2023, vol. 57, issue 4, No 37, 3729-3745

Abstract: Abstract Differences in the response-scale formats constitute a major challenge for ex-post harmonisation of survey data. Linear stretching of original response options onto a common range of values remains a popular response to format differences. Unlike its more sophisticated alternative, simple stretching proves readily applicable without requiring assumptions regarding scale length or access to auxiliary information. The transformation only accounts for response scale length, ignoring all other aspects of measurement quality, which makes the equivalence of harmonised survey variables questionable. This paper focuses on the inherent limitations of linear stretching based on a case study focusing on the measurements of trust in the European Parliament by the Eurobarometer and the European Social Survey—8 timewise corresponding survey waves in 14 European countries (2004–2018). Our analysis demonstrates that the linear stretch approach to harmonising question items with different underlying response scale formats does not make the results of the two surveys equivalent. Despite harmonisation, response scale effects are retained in the distributions of output variables.

Keywords: Ex-post data harmonisation; Linear stretching; Response scale effect; Trust in the European Parliament; Cross-national comparative surveys; Eurobarometer; European Social Survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s11135-022-01523-5

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