---
url: "https://questionstar.com/principles-of-survey-research/chapter-2/slide-057.html"
title: "Constructing Itemized Rating Scales"
type: "lehrbuch-slide"
chapter: 2
chapterTitle: "Survey: Measurement and Scaling"
slide: 57
---

# Constructing Itemized Rating Scales

*Five Design Questions*

**1. Number of Scale Categories**

There is no single optimal number — traditionally, scales with five to nine categories are used.

**2. Balanced vs. Unbalanced**

In general, the scale should be balanced in order to obtain objective results.

**3. Even vs. Odd Number**

If a neutral or indifferent response is a viable option for some respondents, an odd number of categories should be chosen.

**4. Forced vs. Non-Forced Response**

If some respondents may have no opinion, non-forced questions improve the accuracy of the results.

**5. Labeling the Scale Points**

Not every point needs to be labeled — the key is to avoid ambiguity and to clearly name both poles (and, with an odd number, the midpoint as well).

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*Slide 57 of 274 · Chapter 2: Survey: Measurement and Scaling · Principles of Survey Research · Dr. Paul Marx*