Likert Scale in Attitude Measurement – UGC NET Question

A Likert scale is constructed by writing several attitude statements related to a construct and asking respondents to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement, typically on a five or seven point scale. Each response category is assigned a numerical value. The item scores are then summed to produce an overall attitude score for each respondent. This summated ratings procedure is central to Likert scaling.

Option A:
Option A correctly describes a Likert scale: multiple statements are rated on a multi point agreement scale, and their scores are summed to obtain a total attitude score. This captures both the structure and scoring method.

Option B:
Option B refers to semantic differential scales, which use bipolar adjective pairs like good–bad or strong–weak on a continuum. Although used for attitudes, this is a different scaling technique from Likert.

Option C:
Option C describes open ended questioning, which does not involve fixed categories or summation of ratings. Open responses are usually qualitative in nature.

Option D:
Option D describes a single yes or no item, which is merely a dichotomous question and not a Likert scale, since it lacks multiple graded response categories and summated scoring.