How many response categories are sufficient for Likert type scales? An empirical study based on the Item Response Theory

Authors : Eren Can AYBEK, Cetin TORAMAN

Pages : 534-547

Doi:10.21449/ijate.1132931

View : 20 | Download : 5

Publication Date : 2022-06-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The current study investigates the optimum number of response categories for the Likert type of scales under the item response theory insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(IRT);. The data was collected from university students attend to mainly the faculty of medicine and the faculty of education. A form of the “Social Gender Equity Scale” developed by Gozutok et al. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2017); was prepared, which had 3, 5 and 7-point response categories. The graded response model insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(GRM); was used for item calibrations. The results of the study have revealed that using a 5-point response option provides advantages over using a 3-point response category in terms of reliability and test information perspective in the scale development process. The-5 point scale also provides easier responding process for the respondents while it does not pose a major disadvantage compared to a 7-point response category in the terms of reliability. Therefore, based on the findings of the study, researchers are recommended to use a 5-point response category in their scale development process.
Keywords : Likert type scale, Response categories, Item response theory