Likert scale

Definition

Method of ascribing quantitative value to qualitative data, to make it amenable to statistical analysis. Used mainly in training course evaluations and market surveys, Likert scales usually have five potential choices (strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, strongly disagree) but sometimes go up to ten or more. A numerical value is assigned to each potential choice and a mean figure for all the responses is computed at the end of the evaluation or survey. The final average score represents overall level of accomplishment or attitude toward the subject matter. Named after its inventor, the US organizational-behavior psychologist Dr. Rensis Likert (1903-81).