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A middle or neutral response option is the center point on a bipolar rating scale, allowing participants to indicate that they do not lean toward either extreme. While it allows for true neutrality, it can also create an unintended response options effect: people often assume the middle option represents what is 'normal' or 'typical', and select it for that reason. Researchers may strategically exclude this option to force respondents to commit to a side.

Middle Response Option

What is a potential unintended effect of including a middle or neutral response option on a bipolar rating scale?

Including a middle response option on a bipolar rating scale guarantees that participants' responses will be free from unintended response option effects.

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