Response formats

It is important to understand the implications of response formats on levels of measurement in survey design and quantitative data analysis.

Some commonly used response formats include:

• Dichotomous: e.g., Yes or No
• Multi-chotomous: e.g., Yes, No, or Maybe
• Multiple response: e.g., Tick all that apply
• Likert scale: Equally-spaced intervals, usually 3 to 9 intervals
• Graphical rating: Can mark any point on a continuous scale
• Ranking: Compare items to each other by placing them in order of descending preference
• Semantic differential: Put two words at opposite ends of a scale with interval marks
• Idiographic: Use symbols/pictures instead of words and numbers
• For more info see: Rating scale (Wikipedia)