What is a Likert scale used for in surveys?

A Likert scale is specifically designed to measure attitudes, opinions, and feelings by providing a range of response options that typically reflect levels of agreement or frequency. For example, a standard Likert scale might include options ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree" or various frequencies like "always," "often," "sometimes," "rarely," and "never." This format allows respondents to express the intensity of their feelings about a given statement, making it a valuable tool in survey research for quantifying subjective data.

Using a Likert scale is particularly advantageous in capturing nuances in public opinion or customer satisfaction, as it enables researchers to analyze how strongly individuals feel about particular issues. This insight can inform decision-making processes and help identify trends or areas for improvement.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the primary function of a Likert scale. Ranking respondents by age pertains to demographic categorization rather than an assessment of feelings or attitudes. Calculating demographic information does not involve subjective opinion measurement, and analyzing open-ended responses requires different qualitative methodologies that do not fit within the structured format of a Likert scale.