5-Point Rating Scale

TalentMap recommends using a 5 point Likert response scale that ranges from "Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree." The scale allows for a neutral response in the middle of the scale, and to provide for enough detail without overwhelming the respondent with choices.

We use a five point scale because it is short, easy to understand, economizes on space and it is the most widely used survey scale in employee opinion surveys. Furthermore, research shows there is no significant difference between survey results that used either a 5-point, 7-point or 10-point scale.

A study in the International Journal of Market Research reported on an experiment where three groups of respondents gave answers on either a 5-point, 7-point or 10-point scale. After this re-scaling procedure, the three scales gave almost identical results. The study reference is: Dawes, John "Do Data Characteristics Change according to the Number of Scale Points Used ? An experiment using 5-point, 7-point and 10-point scales". International Journal of Market Research.

Normative (Benchmark) Comparison: In addition to collecting more accurate information in a reliable format, the Likert 5-point scale is one of the most popular scales used for employee survey research. This popularity allows for valid cross-study/survey comparisons. In short, it allows us to compare the score of one company/division to that of another.