Meaning of scaling

Research Scaling Techniques

What is scaling in research

Scaling in research refers to the process of transforming raw data into a different scale or level of
measurement. Scaling is used to make the data more manageable and easier to analyze, interpret,
and communicate.

Nominal scaling: This is the simplest form of scaling, where data is transformed into categorical
variables or labels. Examples include gender, ethnicity, and marital status.

Ordinal scaling: This is where data is transformed into ordered categories, where the categories are
ranked in a specific order based on some criterion. Examples include the level of education, income,
and job hierarchy.

Interval scaling: This is where data is transformed into a scale where equal intervals between points
represent equal differences in the characteristic being measured. Examples include temperature
scales, IQ tests, and some Likert scales.

Ratio scaling: This is similar to interval scaling but has a true zero point, which allows for meaningful
ratios to be calculated. Examples include weight, height, and income.

Scaling Techniques in Research

Rating scale: A rating scale is a type of measurement instrument that allows respondents to rate an
object, event, or situation based on a predefined set of criteria. Rating scales typically use a numerical
or verbal scale (e.g., from 1 to 10, or from “very poor” to “excellent”).

Attitude scale: An attitude scale is a type of measurement instrument that measures attitudes or
opinions of individuals towards a particular subject or issue. Attitude scales can be constructed using
various response formats such as agree-disagree, true-false, or semantic differential scales.

Arbitrary scale: An arbitrary scale is a type of measurement scale that does not have a fixed or
standard unit of measurement. Instead, it uses a subjective or arbitrary unit of measurement to
express the degree of a characteristic or attribute.

Semantic differential scale: A semantic differential scale is a type of rating scale that measures the
connotative meaning of an object, event, or situation. It typically uses a set of bipolar adjectives or
phrases (e.g., hot-cold, good-bad) and asks respondents to rate the object or event on each
dimension.

Likert scale: A Likert scale is a type of rating scale that measures the extent of agreement or
disagreement with a statement. Respondents are presented with a statement and asked to indicate
their level of agreement or disagreement using a five- or seven-point scale.

Stapel scale: A Stapel scale is a type of rating scale that uses a single adjective or phrase and a vertical
line anchored by negative and positive values. Respondents are asked to rate the object or event by
marking the line at the point that represents their degree of agreement with the adjective or phrase.