Effects of response order on Likert-type scales

The study investigated whether the change of response order in a Likert-typ e scale altered participant responses and scale characteristics. Response o rder is the order in which options of a Likert-type scale are offered. The sample included 490 college students and 368 junior high school students. S cale means with different response orders were compared. Structural equatio n modeling was used to test the invariance of interitem correlations, covar iances, and factor structure across scale formats and educational levels. T he results indicated that response order had no substantial influence on pa rticipant responses and scale characteristics. Motivating participants and avoiding ambiguous items may minimize possible effects of scale format on p articipant responses and scale properties.