Psychometrics
arnold on Sep 16, 2008
Bartlett and Weaver (1962) took a shot at answering that question. Here is what they found:
THE BASIC ARGUMENT:
The scholars seem to have been indecisive on the relative benefits of Thurstone and Likert attitude scales. This papers aims to examine this issue through comparison of both scales in terms of reliability and time efficiency.
CONTRIBUTION:
The findings support the previous findings that there is a higher degree of reliability that the Likert scale exhibits. However, the main contribution would be their conclusion on time efficiency. Barclay and Weaver reveal that Likert scale is more time efficient than the Thurstone scale. Overall Likert is more time efficient, easier to apply, simpler and more reliable than Thurstone.
Reference:
Barclay, J.E & Weaver, H.B.1962. Comparative Reliabilites and Ease of Construction of Thurtone and Likert Attitude Scales. Journal of Social Psychology
