How extreme the endpoints are worded shapes the form of the response distribution.
Extreme poles → peaked distribution
extremely satisfiednot at all satisfied
Respondents avoid the extremes — the answers cluster in the middle.
Moderate poles → flat distribution
satisfieddissatisfied
Respondents also use the endpoints — the answers spread out more evenly.
Make clear differences of opinion visible, provoke unambiguous positions
→ Moderate poles (flatter distribution)
Set off extreme opinions, make only strong positions visible
→ Extreme poles (more peaked distribution)
