@article{ref1,
title="How meaningful are data from Likert scales? An evaluation of how ratings are made and the role of the response shift in the socially disadvantaged",
journal="Journal of health psychology",
year="2012",
author="Ogden, Jane and Lo, Jessica",
volume="17",
number="3",
pages="350-361",
abstract="Likert scales relating to quality of life were completed by the homeless (N = 75); first year students (N = 301) and a town population (N = 72). Participants also completed free text questions. The scale and free text data were often contradictory and the results highlighted three processes to account for these disparities: i) frame of reference: current salient issues influenced how questions were interpreted; ii) within-subject comparisons: ratings were based on expectations given past experiences; iii) time frame: those with more stable circumstances showed habituation to their level of deprivation. Likert scale data should be understood within the context of how ratings are made.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1359-1053",
doi="10.1177/1359105311417192",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359105311417192"
}