HOW TO INTERPRET LIKERT SCALE RESULTS

Summary

In this video, the speaker explains how to interpret Likert scale results effectively. They begin by outlining the standard 5-point Likert scale categories and proceed to demonstrate how to compute the range for each scale. By calculating intervals between the scale points, the speaker shows how to set the appropriate ranges for responses. The video also covers how to compute average scores for survey questions and match them to the corresponding Likert scale ranges for interpretation. Finally, the speaker provides examples of interpreting averages to categorize responses as 'Agree,' 'Neither,' or 'Disagree.'

Takeaways

• 😀 Assign Likert scale categories: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neither, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree.
• 😀 To compute the range, subtract the lowest Likert scale value (1) from the highest (5), resulting in 4.
• 😀 Divide the range (4) by the number of Likert scale points (5), which gives a range increment of 0.8.
• 😀 The calculated ranges for each Likert scale value are: 1 (1.00 to 1.80), 2 (1.90 to 2.60), 3 (2.70 to 3.40), 4 (3.50 to 4.20), 5 (4.30 to 5.00).
• 😀 To compute the average score for each question, sum the responses and divide by the number of respondents.
• 😀 For example, if 5 respondents answer a question, the average score is the sum of all answers divided by 5.
• 😀 Once the average score for each question is calculated, compare it to the pre-established ranges to interpret the results.
• 😀 If the average score falls within a specific range, the interpretation is based on that range (e.g., 3.6 falls within 'Agree').
• 😀 An average score of 3.6 would fall within the range of 3.50 to 4.20, which corresponds to 'Agree'.
• 😀 Ensure all ranges are rounded to two decimal places for clarity and accuracy.
• 😀 Interpret each question's results by comparing the average to the relevant Likert scale range, such as 'Neither', 'Agree', or 'Disagree'.

Q & A

What is a Likert scale?

A Likert scale is a psychometric scale commonly used in surveys to measure attitudes, opinions, or perceptions by asking respondents to indicate their level of agreement with a statement, typically on a 5-point scale.

What categories are commonly used in a 5-point Likert scale?

The categories commonly used in a 5-point Likert scale are: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neither Agree nor Disagree, 4 = Agree, and 5 = Strongly Agree.

How do you calculate the range for a Likert scale?

To calculate the range, subtract the lowest value (1) from the highest value (5), which gives 4. Then divide this by the number of categories (5), resulting in an increment of 0.8. This increment is added to each subsequent range.

What is the purpose of calculating the range in a Likert scale?

The purpose of calculating the range is to define specific intervals between the categories of the Likert scale, making it easier to interpret respondent averages and categorize their responses accurately.

How is the average calculated for each question in a Likert scale survey?

The average is calculated by summing the responses for a question and then dividing the total by the number of respondents. For example, if five respondents answer a question with the values 3, 4, 2, 5, and 4, the average is (3+4+2+5+4)/5 = 3.6.

How do you interpret the average score from a Likert scale?

The average score is compared with the pre-defined ranges of the Likert scale to interpret the response. For example, an average score of 3.6 would fall in the range 3.50 to 4.20, which would be interpreted as 'Agree'.

What would the interpretation be for a Likert scale average of 2.6?

An average of 2.6 falls in the range 2.60 to 3.40, which is interpreted as 'Neither Agree nor Disagree'.

Why is it important to use two decimal places in the Likert scale ranges?

Using two decimal places in the Likert scale ranges makes the interpretation more precise and percentage-friendly, ensuring that the intervals are accurate for calculating and understanding respondent data.

Can the Likert scale range be adjusted, or is it fixed?

While the 5-point Likert scale is commonly used, the range can be adjusted depending on the specific needs of the survey. Researchers may use different point systems (e.g., 7-point or 4-point scales) but the method for calculating the range remains similar.

What is the first step in interpreting Likert scale results after computing averages?

The first step is to compare the calculated average for each question with the predefined range for each Likert scale category (1-5). This helps to determine whether the respondents 'Strongly Agree', 'Agree', 'Neither', 'Disagree', or 'Strongly Disagree' with the statement.