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Optimal Number of Questionnaire Response Categories

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  • W. Paul Jones
  • Scott A. Loe

Abstract

Two multi-instrument investigations in a university clinic/lab provided an opportunity to explore the impact of reducing the number of response alternatives in a scale measuring vocational personality traits. In a simulation study, a standard computer-based administration provided a numeric scale for each item ranging from 0 to 10. The tests were then rescored to simulate the effect of only three choices. For the follow-up study, two versions of the scale were created, one with two response options and the other with six response options, and were randomly assigned to participants. Typical relationships were evident between the vocational personality traits and scores on standard measures of core personality traits with negligible impact from reducing the number of response alternatives. Neither the ability of the participants nor the self-reported distress had a measurable impact on the utility of the results with the reduction in response alternatives.

Suggested Citation

  • W. Paul Jones & Scott A. Loe, 2013. "Optimal Number of Questionnaire Response Categories," SAGE Open, , vol. 3(2), pages 21582440134, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:3:y:2013:i:2:p:2158244013489691
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244013489691
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    1. Bob Thompson, 2008. "Liveability," ERES eres2008_275, European Real Estate Society (ERES).
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    1. Carme Montserrat & Shazly Savahl & Sabirah Adams & Brîndușa Antonia Grigoraș & Claudia Bacter & Sergiu Bălțătescu, 2021. "Children’s Perspectives on Scale Response Options of Subjective Well-Being Measures: A Comparison between Numerical and Verbal-Response Formats," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 14(1), pages 53-75, February.

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