Is there a need to convert anchors of a scale while analyzing the data?

09 September 2015 4 9K Report

Dear Researchers,

I am using PLS SEM in one of my studies and in my questionnaire, one scale was based on four anchors likert scale while other nine scales were based on seven anchors likert scale.

Is there any need to convert it from four anchors scale to seven anchors or not? If yes, can I get some suggestions on the same?

Regards.

Khan Taufique

Dear Payal,

There is a couple of issues relating to your decision. First, it is strongly recommended that the number of scale categories for a study should be consistent. The second important issue is what should be the ideal number of anchors (e.g., in your case, 4 or 7?). Since the introduction of Likert-type scale by Likert (1932), there has been a considerable number of research works done on finding the number of scale points that maximize reliability. No consensus has so far been reached regarding the optimal number of scale points to be used for maximum reliability. Rather, the decision should be justified to your "context". If you really want to be rational in choosing the response categories, you should consult these papers:

Boote, A. S. (1981). Reliability testing of psychographic scales: Five-point or seven-point? Anchored or labeled ? Journal of Advertising Research, 21, 53-60.
Preston, C. C., & Colman, A. M. (2000). Optimal number of response categories in rating scales: reliability, validity, discriminating power, and respondent preferences. Acta psychologica, 104(1), 1-15.
Matell, M. S., & Jacoby, J. (1971). Is there an optimal number of alternatives for Likert scale items? Study I: Reliability and validity. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 31, 657-674.
Schutz, H. G., & Rucker, M. H. (1975). A comparison of variable configurations across scale lengths: an empirical study. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 35, 319-324.

Regards,

Khan

Payal Anand

Thanks a lot. This is really helpful. However, as mentioned in the question above, I have already collected data. Now, my issue is to how to convert it if I am using PLS SEM. Seeking suggestions.

Khan Taufique

Convertion is possible using data transformation option in SPSS and then you can create .csv file for PLS-SEM (if you use SmartPLS for your analysis). But I am afraid how you would theoretically justify such convertion.

Payal Anand

Thanks for taking out time and responding to my query. Here is a link which helps- http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21482329

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