Reliability in research refers to the consistency of results when a study is replicated under similar conditions. In contrast, validity pertains to the accuracy with which a study’s findings reflect its intended objectives. The Likert scale, a popular tool in surveys and research, often utilizes Cronbach’s alpha as a key indicator of its reliability. This statistical measure assesses the internal consistency of the scale, determining how closely related a set of items are as a group. Empirical evidence supports the high reliability of Likert-type scales, with reported reliability coefficients of 90%, 89%, and 88% in various studies. These percentages indicate a strong level of consistency in the responses gathered using the Likert scale. High reliability coefficients suggest that the scale produces stable and consistent results across different instances of the same survey. Furthermore, such high levels of reliability contribute positively to the scale’s overall validity, reinforcing the argument that the Likert scale is an effective tool for accurately measuring attitudes, perceptions, and opinions in research contexts (Milner & Zadinsky, 2022).

Strengths of the Likert Scale:

• Ease of Use: The Likert scale is straightforward for respondents to understand and for researchers to implement, making it a practical choice for surveys and questionnaires.
• Versatility: It is adaptable to various types of questions and can be used in diverse fields, from market research to psychological assessments.
• Quantifiable Data: The scale provides quantitative data from qualitative opinions, allowing for easier analysis and interpretation of results.
• Subtlety in Responses: By offering multiple degrees of agreement or disagreement, the scale captures nuances in attitudes and opinions that yes/no questions cannot.
• Comparative Analysis: The standardized response options facilitate the comparison of data across different groups or time periods.
• High Sensitivity: The scale can detect even small changes in opinions or attitudes over time or in response to interventions.

Weaknesses of the Likert Scale:

• Central Tendency Bias: Respondents might avoid extreme responses and tend to choose middle options, leading to skewed data.
• Acquiescence Bias: There’s a tendency for some respondents to agree with statements as presented, regardless of their actual opinion.
• Limited Depth: The scale may not capture the complexity or depth of respondents’ true feelings and can oversimplify nuanced opinions.
• Interpretation Variances: Different respondents might interpret the scale points differently, affecting the consistency of responses.
• Scale-Length Sensitivity: The number of points on the scale (e.g., 5-point, 7-point) can influence the responses, potentially impacting the data’s reliability and validity.
• Not Suitable for Complex Concepts: The Likert scale may be inadequate for exploring deeply complex or multifaceted topics

Executive Summary

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Likert Scale, a widely used tool for measuring attitudes and opinions in research and surveys. The Likert Scale is characterized by its simplicity, versatility, and ability to convert qualitative opinions into quantitative data, making it a valuable instrument in various fields such as market research, psychology, and social sciences. The Likert Scale’s format of multiple-choice responses ranging from strong agreement to strong disagreement allows for nuanced data collection. It is user-friendly and easily interpretable, both for respondents and researchers (Kleib et al., 2021). Quantitative data generated are conducive to statistical analysis, facilitating clear, objective conclusions. The evaluation closely aligns the program and curriculum objectives with the assessment outcomes, conducting a thorough analysis of the course by examining how the program goals intersect with student learning achievements. This involves gauging relevant skills, knowledge, and attitudes as key components of the desired learning outcomes. The evaluation process, employing the Likert scale, effectively measures the extent to which program objectives are met. This scale enables a detailed understanding of students’ comprehension and learning outcomes, integrating their feedback into the curriculum design and teaching strategies. The evaluation’s findings inform necessary adjustments and highlight both the educational impacts envisioned by instructors and the achievements of the students. Cronbach’s alpha, used to validate the Likert scale, confirms its reliability with high scores of 90, 89, and 88 percent, underscoring the method’s robustness in ensuring both validity and reliability in measuring educational outcomes.

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