Quantification in Social Research Using Likert Scales

Abstract

This paper presented some clarifications on Likert scales and their application to
measurement in social researches. A Likert scale is a multi-item scale, not a single item. When an item is taken singly it should not be called a Likert scale but a Likert item, a Likert-type item or an ordered category item.

The items that constitute a Likert scale may be several Likert items or Likert-type items. In situations where the items are considered ordered categorical, the composite score is referred to as summated rating scale instead of Likert scale.