What is the rational in choosing 7-point Likert-type scale / 5-point Likert-type scale in research? will it make any sense in our data analysis & findings? From the above, which scale type is most suitable for Information System research?
The number of scale points in the data set is designed according to the discriminating ability of the target respondent. The other criteria used are whether there are equal number of favorable and unfavorable options. Ideally Likert scale is a 5-point verbal rating scale where each of the five pre-ordered categories are marked. In seven point scale (e.g. Osgood's Semantic Differential Scale) only two end points are marked by bipolar adjectives. Thus it is not really necessary to mark all seven points with words. If we are going for detailed multivariate analysis then seven-point scale may help in findings , particularly in the field of marketing (such as positioning research). But for most cases it has been observed that 5-point Likert scale yields meaningful results.
Thank you @Timira Shukla, Further, Choosing 7 scale / 5 scale will make any effect in our results?
What is the rational in choosing 7-point Likert-type scale / 5-point Likert-type scale in research? will it make any sense in our data analysis & findings?
The higher the number point of Likert scale will yield the following benefits:
You can also refer to the following RG link on similar question asked:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/When_should_one_switch_to_the_10-item_Likert_scale/1
From the above, which scale type is most suitable for Information System research?
It depends on factors like whether you adopt the survey questionnaire from certain renown sources (whereby they might want you to follow their scale being designed), number of questions in your questionnaire etc. E.g. too many questions e.g. 100-200 questions with each question consists of 10-point Likert scale might take longer time for each respondent to fill up in which this might demotivate them to complete your survey. Generally, 5-point to 7-point Likert scale should be fine in IS research because very likely the survey will be online survey whereby it is faster & easier to fill up & administer.
Hi Aboobucker,
I missed out the following RG link that you might also want to take a look. Wishing you all the best.
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Which_Likert_scale_should_I_prefer_that_of_1-4_1-5_or_1-7
Hi Aboobucker,
I don't think that using 5 or 7 scale response points, will find very different results. I am saying based on my own experience. But also I suggest to check this work of Jon A. Krosnick and Stanley Presser regarding "Question and Questionnaire Design". It may help you.
Here is the link:
https://studysites.sagepub.com/kumar4e/study/Chapter%209/Questionnaires.pdf
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