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.
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:
E.g. 7-point offers more variance than a smaller Likert scale e.g. 5-point Likert scales
Offers higher degree of measurement precision
Provide better opportunity detect changes and more power to explain a point of view
You can also refer to the following RG link on similar question asked:
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.
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.
Thank you, this sharing is helpful for me. It may my simple summary, the selection may relate to the field area, precision target of the findings, and cognitive level of the targeted respondents. Besides focusing the precision points, many scholars also suggest to consider the valid responses, especially in the study which involves the public respondents. Somehow, besides the response quality, the other significant issue of a survey study may also relate to the quantity of the valid response.