Chapter 2 · Survey: Measurement and Scaling · Slide 59/274

Balanced or Unbalanced Scales

Design Question 2

2.3 · Constructing Rating Scales Design Question 2

Balanced vs. Unbalanced

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

Balanced scale

Very good

Good

Neither good nor bad

Bad

Very bad

2 positive · 1 neutral · 2 negative — symmetrical.

Unbalanced scale

Extremely good

Very good

Good

Adequate

Bad

Very bad

4 positive · 2 negative — skewed toward positive judgments.

QUESTIONSTAR · Dr. Paul Marx 59 / 274