Should I use a 5- or 7-point Likert scale?

Though traditional Likert scales include a 5-point response scale, some research has indicated that 7-point scales provide more reliable results.

As a rule of thumb, 5-point scales are better for unipolar constructs, which range from zero to positive, such as frequency. You may want to use 7-point scales for bipolar (or dichotomous) constructs that range from negative to positive, such as quality—some evidence suggests that doing so can increase reliability.

Related article: What Is Reliability? | Definition, Types & Examples

Reliability in research refers to how consistently a research method measures something. If you use the same method on the same group under the same conditions, you should get similar results each time. If the results vary significantly, the measurement may be unreliable or affected by bias or random error. Researchers use reliability to evaluate […]

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Research: Other interesting questions

What is proportionate stratified sampling?: Proportionate sampling in stratified sampling is a technique where the sample size from each stratum is proportional to the size of that stratum in the overall population.

This ensures that each stratum is represented in the sample in the same proportion as it is in the population, representing the population’s overall structure and diversity in the sample.

For example, the population you’re investigating consists of approximately 60% women, 30% men, and 10% people with a different gender identity. With proportionate sampling, your sample would have a similar distribution instead of equal parts.
What is the difference between construct validity and internal validity?: Construct validity refers to the extent to which a study measures the underlying concept or construct that it is supposed to measure.

Internal validity refers to the extent to which observed changes in the dependent variable are caused by the manipulation of the independent variable rather than other factors, such as extraneous variables or research biases.

Construct validity vs. internal validity example
You’re studying the effect of exercise on happiness levels.

Construct validity would ask whether your measures of exercise and happiness levels accurately reflect the underlying concepts of physical activity and emotional state.

Internal validity would ask whether your study’s results are due to the exercise itself, or if some other factor (e.g., changes in diet or stress levels) might be causing changes in happiness levels.
What is a research design?: The research design is the backbone of your research project. It includes research objectives, the types of sources you will consult (i.e., primary vs secondary), data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.

A thorough and well-executed research design can facilitate your research and act as a guide throughout both the research process and the thesis or dissertation writing process.
Is interval data continuous?: Interval data is usually considered continuous data because it can take on a wide range of numerical values, including decimals. The values are measured on a scale where the distance between each point is meaningful and consistent.

For example, temperature measured in Celsius is interval data and can take values such as 20°C, 20.5°C, or 20.75°C. Each value represents a meaningful point on the scale.

However, not all interval data is continuous. Some interval variables are recorded as whole numbers only. For example, standardized test scores are measured on an interval scale but are often reported as discrete values because only certain scores are possible.

In short, interval data describes the measurement scale, while continuous data describes how values can occur. Many types of interval data are continuous, but the two terms are not interchangeable.
Is ordinal data qualitative or quantitative?: Ordinal data is usually considered qualitative in nature. The data can be numerical, but the differences between categories are not equal or meaningful. This means you can’t use them to calculate measures of central tendency (e.g., mean) or variability (e.g., standard deviation).

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