Struggling with Analyzing a 5-Point Likert Scale: Can Anyone Share a Sample or Advice?

Hi, I recently conducted a survey in which I utilized the 5-point Likert scale to gather data. The only problem is, I don't know how to analyze it. I feel like a complete idiot for not having considered this before. I thought it would be easy, except I don't know how to write an analysis. Can someone please help? It would be really useful if a sample was provided with an analysis of a 5-point Likert scale.

Thanks in advance!

Later Addition:

I have, belatedly, attached a sample of my writing to the post. People, please comment on the appropriateness of the analysis. The attachment is in one of my posts below! Thanks!

Regards

Please search the web using keywords "5-point Likert Scale data analysis." You will find links that give instructions on how to analyze such data.

Have a nice day.

Regards,
Simhan
A retired academic in the UK

Understanding Likert Scale Points

Likert scale points – it is an attempt to quantify subjective views.

For each point, there should be a meaning for each number. For example, 1 = most objectionable, 2 = objectionable... 5 = most desirable.

You must use these expressions in your analysis or presentation of the inferences. We may state that out of 1500 persons studied (sample), 200 strongly objected to the proposal, and 20 considered the proposal most desirable.

We must remember that we are not handling any data about a problem. We are handling the number of persons who have taken a particular view. Any mathematical process of mixing this data with data on a particular problem should be designed carefully.

If you have included many questions using the Likert scale, you may tabulate the views carefully to see if these are logically connected. Your presentation can have a statement like “72% of those who 'Strongly Opposed' issue A, Mildly Objected to issue B also. Or 55% of those who welcomed production-based incentives strongly objected to a change in shift timings.”

There are several published charts and reports on the net – use them as a model or starting point – it is easy. I have often visited "talkstats.com" and found the site helpful.

You may also try.

Good luck.

Regards,
Srinivasan

Hi there, I have searched that, but most of the results that popped up delved into deep statistics, and that was a bit overwhelming for me. I was hoping that you could possibly review the analysis of one of my charts and provide your valuable feedback on it since I have been unable to find a sample report relevant to my topic.

As Srinivasan has rightly said, Likert scale points are an attempt to quantify subjective views. Obviously, it's a part of statistical studies. Your PDF sample is a good showcase for the first attempt. Please do not get overwhelmed by the tests being used at this stage. But remember, there is no shortcut for success. All the best.

Dear Sajjal, Thank you for attaching an example. However, how you analyze the data depends on your objectives, the amount and nature of data you have collected, and the level of the course. For example, if you are an undergraduate, a simple pie chart or bar chart and percentage distribution would suffice. If you are studying for a postgraduate degree, you will be expected to demonstrate your knowledge of the application of statistical tests. Similarly, if you have collected demographic data, you may be able to identify differences between males and females or responses from different work areas and levels.

Also, see the link provided to observe how a student has detailed the research's conceptual framework, etc. Though they did not use a Likert Scale, they utilized both a questionnaire survey and interviews to triangulate the findings. The project report may not be the best I have come across, but it is much better in terms of the quality of literature reviews, methodology, and the list of references.

Have a nice day.

Regards, Simhan

If your intention is just passing, what you have done by way of analysis will suffice. Whether you will get a grade better than a pass will depend upon how you will write the other chapters (Introduction, literature review, methodology, conclusion, and recommendations).

Hi Sajjal, your effort is good and will give you the required result. Group the questions into areas like communication, leadership, motivation, etc., and check the averages. You can delve into the depth of these groups (question-wise analysis) later on and highlight those which are of concern. Also, make sure you give recommendations in your presentation. Hope this helps.

Hi! Thanks for your reply. That's a great idea! I didn't consider grouping the similar questions together to provide an overall picture. Thanks! It definitely helped :)

Regards,

Grouping Survey Questions

Grouping similar questions is a good idea; however, it should be based on statistical tests. As you are an undergraduate and may not have been taught this, you can mention the limitations of your questionnaire. Please see http://www.ehow.com/how_4495112_crea...questions.html and http://www.statpac.com/surveys/question-qualities.htm for more information.

Have a nice day.

Regards,
Simhan

Hi Simham, thanks for the links; they were quite informative. I have actually formulated the questionnaires based on a couple of motivational theories. I was thinking of merging the similar questions under the common concepts by each theory and analyzing them accordingly. That way, I could back up the analysis with theoretical concepts. Would that be okay?

Thanks for your help.

Regards,
Sajjal

Writing a Survey Report

In my opinion, writing a survey report for the results shown in a sample is rather easy. However, if you are interested in writing a solid policy-oriented report, you need to bifurcate these results into various sub-categories (worker, supervisor, manager - age groups 25-30, 35-40, and gender-wise male/female). This approach will provide you with a handle and a strong conclusion. It will help identify who disagrees with a proposal and what type of policies should be adopted to satisfy them or how to include them in the process of change.

Good luck!

Thanks for your reply! You know, that's a really great idea! I will have to type my stats in again on Excel, but I think it will be worth it! Thank you!

Statistical Validity in Survey Analysis

Moinkhan's idea is good, provided you have gathered information from enough people. As your total responses are only 40, commenting on differences among different age groups, positions, etc., may not be statistically valid. You need to apply a test to see if the differences are significant. Hence, make sure that you put a note to that effect in your analysis or conclusion sections.

Have a nice day.

Regards,
Simhan

Hi, my data includes students' grades (X, XII, and college) and their responses for different factors like study habits (3 questions), personality traits (5 questions), etc., on a 5-point scale (5 – Always, 4 – Often, 3 – Sometimes, 2 – Rarely, 1 – Never). My objective is to study "factors affecting the academic performance of students."

1. Should I consider the median for each question and then compare it for male and female groups using the chi-square test?
2. How can I measure the effect of these factors on students' grades?

Please help. I am stuck.

Have you tabulated the results in an Excel table? If so, could you kindly send that to me? Please see my private message. I will take a look and advise you.

Kindly also read the contents at What statistical analysis should I use? Statistical analyses using Stata and https://www.quora.com/When-should-on...sed-to-average. More links at https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourc...an%20or%20mean.