---
url: "https://questionstar.com/principles-of-survey-research/chapter-2/slide-064.html"
title: "Peaked vs. Flat Response Distribution"
type: "lehrbuch-slide"
chapter: 2
chapterTitle: "Survey: Measurement and Scaling"
slide: 64
---

# Peaked vs. Flat Response Distribution

*How extreme the endpoints are worded shapes the form of the response distribution.*

How **extreme** the endpoints are worded shapes the form of the response distribution.

Extreme poles → peaked distribution

extremely satisfied not at all satisfied

Respondents avoid the extremes — the answers **cluster in the middle** .

Moderate poles → flat distribution

satisfied dissatisfied

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)

*[Diagramm: Peaked vs. Flat Response Distribution]*

---

*Slide 64 of 274 · Chapter 2: Survey: Measurement and Scaling · Principles of Survey Research · Dr. Paul Marx*