Cited by 277Psychometric Methodologies and TestingDown syndrome and intellectual disability researchHealth Education and Validation

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A review of the reliability and validity of Likert‐type scales for people with intellectual disability

Hartley, S. L., MacLean, W. E.·2006·Journal of Intellectual Disability Research

DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2006.00844.x

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Abstract

Background Likert‐type scales are increasingly being used among people with intellectual disability (ID). These scales offer an efficient method for capturing a wide range of variance in self‐reported attitudes and behaviours. This review is an attempt to evaluate the reliability and validity of Likert‐type scales in people with ID. Methods Fifty‐one studies reporting response rates, response bias, reliability and validity of Likert‐type scales among adolescents and adults with ID were reviewed. Results Low response rates were found among adolescents and adults with moderate to profound ID, when pictorial representations of response alternatives were not employed, and for Likert‐type scales with self‐descriptive statements. Response bias was evident, particularly among adolescents and adults with moderate to profound ID. Likert‐type scales have better reliability and validity among adolescents and adults with borderline IQ or mild ID. Pretests and clarifying questions increase reliability and validity. Conclusions Likert‐type scales should include pictorial representations of response alternatives, a single set of one or two word response descriptors, clarifying questions, and pretests, and are best used with adolescents and adults with borderline IQ to mild ID.

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(2002) · doi:10.1352/0047-6765(2002)040

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10.1177/002224378001700401 · DOI
10.1352/0047-6765(2002)040<0157:FSOTSA>2.0.CO;2 · DOI
10.1352/0047-6765(2002)040<0457:CMAAOQ>2.0.CO;2 · DOI
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Authors: Hartley, S. L., & MacLean, W. E.
Affiliations: University of Wyoming (US)
Corresponding author: Hartley, S. L.
ORCID: Hartley, S. L.
MacLean, W. E.
Venue: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2006-09-25
Volume: 50
Issue: 11
Pages: 813-827
ISSN: 0964-2633 (ISSN-L)
1365-2788
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2006.00844.x
OpenAlex: W2078740837
Cited by: 273
References: 80
Citations by year: 2026: 6 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 25 · 2021: 27 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 23 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 18 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 16 · 2012: 13
FWCI: 1.89
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
Health Sciences › Nursing › Research and Theory › Health Education and Validation
Keywords: Likert scale, intellectual disability, scale reliability, scale validity, response rate, response bias, clarification questions, pretest, mild intellectual disability
MeSH terms: Adolescent, Adult, Analysis of Variance, Attitude, Behavior, Humans, Intellectual Disability, Psychometrics, Self Disclosure, Reproducibility of Results, Bias

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A review of the reliability and validity of Likert‐type scales for people with intellectual disability

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