Abstract:

Since its introduction in 1932 by Rensis Likert, Likert scales and Likert-type items have become the most used attitude and tendency measurement technique in many areas like, social sciences, political sciences, psychology, marketing and education. However, confusion in "Likert Scale" and "Likert-type item" concepts leads to misinterpretation and false analysis of the data obtained from these scales. Another topic of discussion is whether parametric or non-parametric tests should be used in analyzing the Likert scale and Likert-type items. The purpose of this research, is to clarify concepts of "Likert Scale" and "Likert-type item", to determine which concept and method is more preferred in educational research, and to examine which test should be used in the statistical analysis of data obtained from this type of scales. The result of the study show that relevant concepts are mixed with each other, Likert-type items are mostly analyzed with non-parametric tests, and generally parametric tests were used in analyzing Likert scales despite the lack of a consensus on consistent and reliable method.

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