Dimensionality of Survey Rating Scales

• In Event: 65.081 - Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: 65.081-1 - Survey Research in Education SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Survey research often includes a rating scale to measure a construct. Dimensionality references the number of constructs a set of questions defines. Traditionally, the set of questions contain response scales which are ordinal. This paper discusses the ordinal factor analysis method for assessing dimensionality of an ordinal survey rating scale. The classical factor analysis and Mokken scale analysis are also discussed in relation to dimensionality of survey rating scales. Research suggests that Mokken scale analysis can be a complementary method to ordinal factor analysis. It is recommended that ordinal factor analysis be used, rather than the classical parametric method.

Author

• Randall E. Schumacker, The University of Alabama