Understanding the Likert Scale: How to Interpret Levels of Familiarity
The Likert Scale is a popular rating tool used in research to measure people’s attitudes, opinions, and beliefs. It involves asking a person to rate an item or statement on a scale that ranges from strongly agree to strongly disagree, with varying levels in between. However, interpreting responses on the Likert Scale can be difficult, particularly when trying to establish levels of familiarity. In this article, we’ll explore the Likert Scale and how to interpret levels of familiarity accurately.
What is the Likert Scale?
The Likert Scale was developed by Rensis Likert in the 1930s as a simple way to measure levels of agreement and disagreement. It consists of a series of statements relating to a particular topic and a response scale next to each statement. Traditionally, the scales range from 1-5 or 1-7, with 1 being the lowest or least desirable rating, and the highest or most desirable rating at the other end, which could be 5 or 7.
Interpreting Levels of Familiarity on the Likert Scale
While the Likert Scale is easy to administer, it can be challenging to interpret the responses accurately, particularly when it comes to levels of familiarity. Familiarity can mean different things to different people, and therefore responses can be diverse. The following examples will help clarify the problem.
Example 1
“How familiar are you with using Microsoft Office?”
1. Not familiar at all
2. Somewhat familiar
3. Moderately familiar
4. Very familiar
5. Extremely familiar
In this scenario, distinct levels of familiarity are described, so it’s easier to interpret the responses. Usually, scores above 3 indicate a higher level of familiarity.
Example 2
“How familiar are you with cooking meals from scratch?”
1. Not familiar at all
2. Somewhat familiar
3. Moderately familiar
4. Very familiar
5. Extremely familiar
In this example, familiarity is subject to interpretation. What does “cooking meals from scratch” mean? Is it preparing meal recipes or just basic cooking skills? Responses may be open to broad interpretations, making it difficult to determine actual levels of familiarity.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the Likert Scale and how to interpret levels of familiarity is essential in obtaining accurate results from your research. When constructing questionnaires, it’s advisable to use statements with distinct and measurable levels of familiarity. However, if help is needed in validating survey items or interpreting results from questionnaires involving the Likert Scale, a professional research organization like ours is available to assist.
In conclusion, research findings hinge on correct interpretation, and it is vital to use widely accepted methodologies such as the Likert Scale and expert interpretation to ensure accurate results.
