Likert-type questions measure how far a person agrees with a statement. In DarmoweSondy.pl you can put several statements in one table, where the respondent chooses one answer in each row.
What is a Likert scale?
A Likert scale is a set of ordered answer options, from strong disagreement to strong agreement, used to measure attitudes and opinions. It is named after the psychologist Rensis Likert. Strictly speaking, the scale is made up of several related statements combined into one score, while a single statement with these answer options is a Likert-type item – but in everyday survey language both are simply called Likert questions.
Example of a five-point Likert scale
Statement: “The exercise instructions were clear.”
- Strongly disagree
- Disagree
- Neither agree nor disagree
- Agree
- Strongly agree
The middle option expresses a neutral position. It is not the same as “Don’t know” or “Not applicable”. If some respondents may not have been able to judge a given item, give them a separate answer option and treat it separately in your analysis.
Other answer sets you can use
Agreement is only one dimension. Pick the labels that fit your statement:
- Frequency: Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Always
- Satisfaction: Very dissatisfied, Dissatisfied, Neutral, Satisfied, Very satisfied
- Importance: Not at all important, Slightly important, Moderately important, Very important, Extremely important
How many points should a Likert scale have?
Five and seven points are the most common choices. An odd number of options gives a neutral midpoint; an even number nudges respondents to lean one way. There is no single right answer: choose a length your respondents can tell apart, use the same one throughout a table, and follow the convention of your field if you are replicating an existing questionnaire.
Not sure whether you need a Likert table or a simple rating? A single rating question (a scale from 0 or 1 to 10) is quicker for one overall score, while a Likert table suits several statements that share the same answer options.
How do you write good statements?
Each row should be about one characteristic only. Instead of “The trainer was knowledgeable and punctual”, write two statements. Avoid double negatives and wording that hints at the expected answer. Keep the direction of the answer options the same throughout the table.
How do you add a Likert table in the builder?
- Create a survey and add a Likert table question.
- Type an instruction, for example “To what extent do you agree with the following statements?”.
- Add the statements as rows and the levels of agreement as answers.
- Check that the table is easy to read on a phone. Split a long list into shorter parts.
You will find ready-made examples in the training feedback and thesis survey templates.
How do you code and interpret Likert answers?
When you export, you can use numeric codes together with a codebook. Check which code matches each label. A single Likert-type question gives ordered categories of answers, so begin with counts and percentages for each category.
A scale built from several questions needs a justification that they measure the same underlying concept. Do not automatically add up ratings of different characteristics. Talk through the choice of means, sums and statistical tests with the person responsible for the methodology of your study. A finished form does not mean that the instrument has been validated.
See also the guide how to create an online survey and a sample layout for a thesis survey.
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