Publication Date
2020
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
David LaHuis, Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Nathan Bowling, Ph.D. (Committee Member); Joseph Houpt, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
Research on the optimal number of response options on graphic rating scales has yielded mixed results such as that more scale points are better; there is an optimal range; or that it does not matter. The present study compared the psychometric properties of dichotomous and polytomous personality items using several methods of scoring including summed scores, item response theory (IRT), and item response trees. It was found that regression models based on dichotomous items explained similar amounts of variance in careless responding as models based on polytomous items. In addition, scores from dichotomous models were more closely related to the trait-level variance from the IR tree model. Results suggests that a 2- or 3-point graphic rating scale can achieve comparable trait measurement as what is offered by longer alternatives while reducing the cognitive burden on the respondent.
Page Count
59
Department or Program
Department of Psychology
Year Degree Awarded
2020
Copyright
Copyright 2020, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
ORCID ID
0000-0003-1966-1645
