Chapter 2 · Survey: Measurement and Scaling · Slide 62/274

Labeling the Scale Points

Should every scale point be labeled — or are a few selected points enough?

2.3 · Construction of Rating Scales Design Question 5

Labeling the Scale Points

Not every point needs to be labeled — what matters is avoiding ambiguity and clearly naming both poles (and, with an odd number, the midpoint).

Should every scale point be labeled — or are a few selected points enough?

All or just some?

No clear evidence that labeling all points is better than only selected ones — the research shows no substantial difference.

Too much confuses

Too many, too finely differentiated labels can confuse respondents when terms can barely be told apart (e.g. "somewhat positive" vs. "fairly positive").

Decisive: clarity

Avoid ambiguity. Clearly name both poles, and with an odd number also the midpoint — it must be clear which continuum the scale represents.

Little space

Reduced labeling is especially useful with sliders or matrix questions, where full labeling quickly becomes cluttered.

QUESTIONSTAR · Dr. Paul Marx 62 / 274

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