An example of a Likert-type scale used in a personality survey presents several statements for self-assessment. These statements might include 'I am easygoing,' 'I have high standards,' 'I enjoy time alone,' 'I work well with others,' 'I dislike confrontation,' and 'I prefer crowds over intimacy.' For each statement, the respondent selects from a range of options, such as 'strongly disagree,' 'somewhat disagree,' 'no opinion,' 'somewhat agree,' and 'strongly agree,' to indicate their level of agreement.

Example of a Likert Scale in a Personality Survey

Reverse coding is an analytical procedure used when scoring rating scales, such as Likert scales, that contain negatively worded or oppositely phrased statements. It involves reversing the numerical values assigned to these responses so that the overall scoring direction remains consistent across all items before they are summed.

Reverse Coding

A Likert scale is a rating system, developed by Rensis Likert, commonly used in self-report inventories to measure attitudes or opinions. It typically presents a statement and asks respondents to specify their level of agreement on a multipoint scale, such as a five-point range from 'strongly disagree' to 'strongly agree'.

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Self-report inventories are a type of objective personality test that relies on individuals' own responses. They commonly feature multiple-choice questions or numbered rating scales, such as Likert scales, where respondents indicate their level of agreement with a statement. Key advantages of these inventories include their cost-effectiveness and ease of administration.

Self Report Inventories of Personality

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

- Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF)
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
- Big Five Personality Test (Five-Factor Model)
- HEXACO Personality Inventory

Types of Self Report Inventories

Likert Scale

A significant drawback of self-report inventories is the potential for response bias. Test-takers may intentionally or unintentionally provide answers that are socially desirable, exaggerated, or misleading. This is particularly common in situations like job applications, where individuals are motivated to present themselves in the most positive way possible.

Disadvantages of Self-Report Inventories

A large corporation needs to screen thousands of applicants for a customer service role that requires a high degree of patience and empathy. To do this quickly and affordably, they plan to use a questionnaire where applicants rate their level of agreement with statements like 'I remain calm when others are upset' and 'I am good at understanding others' feelings.'

Critique the company's proposed assessment method. In your response, justify whether this is an appropriate tool for their purpose by discussing one significant strength and one significant weakness of this approach in this specific hiring scenario.

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