What does a Likert scale measure in survey responses?

A Likert scale is specifically designed to measure attitudes, opinions, or perceptions by assessing the level of agreement or disagreement respondents have with a given statement. This type of scale typically presents a series of statements along with a range of response options, often including terms like "strongly agree," "agree," "neutral," "disagree," and "strongly disagree." By capturing the nuances of respondents' sentiments, it provides valuable quantitative data regarding their reactions to the statements posed.

In contrast, the other options refer to types of measurements that are not the primary focus of a Likert scale. Qualitative insights pertain to subjective feedback and open-ended responses, while frequency measures track how often specific behaviors occur. Demographic information, on the other hand, involves categorizing respondents based on characteristics such as age, gender, or education, which is unrelated to the attitude assessment that a Likert scale provides. Thus, understanding that a Likert scale centers on the measurement of agreement or disagreement allows researchers to gauge how strongly respondents feel about specific topics.