Ambiguity in self-evaluating Likert-scale questionnaires—particularly through vague frequency terms like "sometimes" or "often"—significantly impacts respondent interpretation and questionnaire validity.
Evidence for · 2
The meaning of vaguely quantified frequency response options on a quality of life scale depends on respondents' medical status and age.
2016 · cited by 11
The study demonstrates that respondents interpret vague frequency quantifiers on quality of life scales differently depending on age and medical status, undermining response validity.
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More for · 1
How often is "often"? Improving assessment of the externalizing spectrum using absolute frequency.
2026 · cited by 1
The paper argues that vague quantifiers of relative frequency introduce imprecision and low interpretability, advocating for absolute frequency counts instead.