---
url: "https://questionstar.com/principles-of-survey-research/chapter-2/slide-060.html"
title: "Even or Odd Number of Scale Categories"
type: "lehrbuch-slide"
chapter: 2
chapterTitle: "Survey: Measurement and Scaling"
slide: 60
---

# Even or Odd Number of Scale Categories

*The middle option attracts many undecided respondents — and those who are reluctant to reveal their opinion.*

**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.

### Odd number — with a midpoint

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

Allows a neutral response

### Even number — without a midpoint

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

Forces a leaning

The middle option attracts many undecided respondents — and those who are reluctant to reveal their opinion.

This can bias the measures of **central tendency** and **variance** .

Do we want or need “contrast” on controversial attitudes?

---

*Slide 60 of 274 · Chapter 2: Survey: Measurement and Scaling · Principles of Survey Research · Dr. Paul Marx*