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Organizational Research Methods
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On the Use of Likert-Type Scales in Multilevel Data

Influence on Aggregate Variables

Daniel J. Beal

Rice University, dbeal{at}rice.edu

Jeremy F. Dawson

Aston University

In multilevel analyses, problems may arise when using Likert-type scales at the lowest level of analysis. Specifically, increases in variance should lead to greater censoring for the groups whose true scores fall at either end of the distribution. The current study used simulation methods to examine the influence of single-item Likert-type scale usage on ICC(1), ICC(2), and group-level correlations. Results revealed substantial underestimation of ICC(1) when using Likert-type scales with common response formats (e.g., 5 points). ICC(2) and group-level correlations were also underestimated, but to a lesser extent. Finally, the magnitude of underestimation was driven in large part to an interaction between Likert-type scale usage and the amounts of within- and between-group variance.

Key Words: multilevel • aggregation • Likert-type scale • intraclass correlation • Monte Carlo

This version was published on October 1, 2007

Organizational Research Methods, Vol. 10, No. 4, 657-672 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1094428106295492
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