The question of “Is A Likert Scale Nominal” is a common point of confusion in data analysis. Understanding the level of measurement of a Likert scale is crucial for selecting appropriate statistical techniques and drawing meaningful conclusions from your data. This article will provide a clear explanation of why Likert scales are generally not considered nominal, and explore their true nature.
Delving Into Likert Scales Nominal or Ordinal?
To determine if a Likert scale “Is A Likert Scale Nominal,” we must first understand what a nominal scale is. A nominal scale is a type of categorical data where the values are simply names or labels, with no inherent order or ranking. Examples include colors (red, blue, green) or types of fruit (apple, banana, orange). You can count the frequency of each category, but you can’t say that one category is “higher” or “lower” than another. The defining characteristic of a nominal scale is the lack of any meaningful order between the categories.
Likert scales, on the other hand, present a series of ordered response options, such as “Strongly Disagree,” “Disagree,” “Neutral,” “Agree,” and “Strongly Agree.” While the specific wording may vary, the key is that these options represent a progression along a continuum. This progression implies an order, a ranking, or a relative position. Therefore, a Likert scale inherently possesses ordinal properties and usually does not classify as nominal. A better example is shown below:
- Example Question: How satisfied are you with our service?
- Likert Scale Options:
- Very Satisfied
- Satisfied
- Neutral
- Dissatisfied
- Very Dissatisfied
Because Likert scales exhibit a clear order in their response options, they are typically treated as ordinal scales. While the intervals between the response options might not be perfectly equal (a respondent might perceive the difference between “Strongly Agree” and “Agree” differently than another respondent), the presence of a discernible order is what sets them apart from nominal scales. Using the correct type of scale is crucial to the success of data analysis.
Now that you have a better understanding of Likert Scales, it’s time to learn more about how you can leverage them to the fullest extent. Click here to read Simply Psychology’s complete guide and master the art of using Likert Scales in your research!