If you use a likert scale with range "never" as 0, 1 is "one to two times", 2 is "sometimes", 3 "often" and 4 "most of the time". How to correctly compute the range?
Is the lowest value counted? Is it 4-1, for lowest value, and then 3/4 = 0,75?
Will the range then be 0 - 0,75 and 0,76 - 1,5 and so fort? Or does this need to be done differently?
Regards
Johan
Your question exposes the weakness of using a Likert scale (sorry)! Those descriptions look barely measurable and will be vulnerable to all manner of estimation errors by respondents. Are you able to sharpen the underlying parameters so that respondent choices have greater precision?
The response options (0-4) is just mirroring the workplace incivility scale by Cortina et al. (2001) which has been used by several around the world. The interest is understanding the frequency of workplace incivility. My question was directed towards computing the range. Normally with value 1-5, you can compute 5-1=4 and 4/5= 0,80 and 0,8+1 is 1,8. Range is 1-1,8 and so forth.
Determine how to categorize or compute ranges within a Likert scale that is used to assess frequency or some other ordinal variable, which is ranging from 0 ("never") to 4 ("most of the time").
In most cases, computing range or defining categories in a Likert scale is primarily dependent on your research question and how detailed you want your analysis to be.
Understanding the Likert Scale:
Basic Approach to Compute Range:
If you're considering dividing the scale into specific ranges, you would generally consider the whole numbers as your primary split points, particularly because your categories are predefined (0, 1, 2, 3, 4).
If you Want to Compute Sub-ranges:
If for some reason you want to create sub-ranges within these primary categories, you'll likely need a more detailed scale or continuous data. Creating sub-ranges within a Likert scale might be challenging and somewhat contrary to its typical use, given it's an ordinal scale where each number represents a specific category, rather than a continuous scale.
However, if this is necessary for your analysis, one approach might be:
- 0.00 - 0.75: Never
- 0.76 - 1.50: One to two times
- 1.51 - 2.25: Sometimes
- 2.26 - 3.00: Often
- 3.01 - 4.00: Most of the time
Important Considerations:
- Ordinal Nature: Remember Likert scales represent ordinal data, meaning the intervals between points are not necessarily equal in a mathematical or experiential sense.
- Validity and Reliability: Altering or complicating the interpretation of a Likert scale may affect the validity and reliability of your measurement.
- Statistical Analysis: Consider the statistical tests you plan to use and ensure they are appropriate for ordinal data or your modified scale.
- Literature and Precedents: Always check the relevant literature and precedents in your field to ensure that your methodology is aligned with commonly accepted practices.
Your approach should be theoretically and methodologically sound. If in doubt, consult with a statistician or a research methods expert, and always pilot test your scale and approach to ensure they are valid and reliable for your specific research context. If you provide this scale to respondents, be sure to clearly communicate how they should select their response to avoid confusion.
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