We are planning to conduct a survey in rural India on
Is the Likert Scale questions an appropriate survey tool in rural India? Are villagers comfortable with such questions? Are they used to the fine differentiation which Likert scale demands? What are the optimal number of choices to such questions?
Yes Likert scale is a suitable choice for rural respondents, but the tool should be in their local language through which they could assess the questions.
I think the issue is not so much rural versus urban but level of education, because Likert-scored items can be difficult for low-literacy respondents to understand.
If you do use Likert-scored items, I would recommend 5 scoring options -- 7 is often too many to make "precise" judgments, and even-numbered scoring can frustrate respondents who want a "middle" option.
yes, it is a suitable method and like David I recommend 5 options. I have much experience made in India and other countries (Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu) and more than 5 choice won't produce good results as even oneself has difficulties to differentiated the choices and for the participants in a study this often turns to become a nightmare.
Thank you Suhail Mohammad Ghouse David L Morgan Eberhard Weber !
Your inputs coming out of the experience and expertize are very relevant to me.
I reckon, yes, no choice options would give you the better estimate of the construct you are trying to measure. Likert scale is not suitable for low literacy people to comprehend.
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