Thurstone scale is associated with the name of L. L. Thurstone. In this scale, several statements whose position on the scale has been determined by judges are used. The position is determined by the method of equal-appearing intervals. The procedure is as follows:
At first, a reasonably large number of statements relating to the attitudes to be studied are collected. Many judges work independently to classify these statements into 11 groups.
In the first group, all the statements most unfavorable to the issue are placed. The next unfavorable statements are placed in the second group, and so on. The statements of the 11th group are considered the most favorable.
The sixth (middle) position on this continuum is the point at which the attitude is neutral. The first group is given a score of 11, and the 11th group scores I.
The scale value of a statement is computed as the mean or median position to which the judges assign it. Statements that are ambiguous, vague, or irrelevant and over which judges differ widely are discarded.
Finally, the scale is prepared by considering the evaluated statements that spread out evenly from one extreme.
Suppose that a statement (say A) has been distributed to 50 judges into 11 categories as follows:
We treat the statements as variable values (x) and the number of judges as frequencies (f), and calculate the mean value as follows:
The median score is computed to be 5. If we choose the median, then the scale value of statement A is 5. Similarly, every item is assigned a numerical score.
Thurstone scale consists, thus, of a series of statements whose positions have been determined neutrally by the judges.
At the time of administration of the scale questionnaire, the respondents are asked to check the statements with which they agree.
Like the Likert scale, the scale values are not shown in the questionnaire, and the statements are arranged randomly.
Who is associated with the development of the Thurstone scale?
The Thurstone scale is associated with L. L. Thurstone.
How are statements positioned on the Thurstone scale?
Statements are positioned on the Thurstone scale using the method of equal-appearing intervals.
What is the initial step in creating a Thurstone scale?
The initial step involves collecting a reasonably large number of statements related to the attitudes being studied.
How are the statements classified by judges in the Thurstone scale?
Judges work independently to classify these statements into 11 groups, ranging from the most unfavorable to the issue in the first group to the most favorable in the 11th group. The middle position, the sixth, represents a neutral attitude.
How is the scale value of a statement determined?
The scale value of a statement is computed as the mean or median position to which the judges assign it. Ambiguous, vague, or irrelevant statements over which judges differ widely are discarded.
How are respondents asked to interact with the Thurstone scale questionnaire?
During the administration of the scale questionnaire, respondents are asked to check the statements with which they agree.
Are the scale values visible to respondents in the Thurstone scale questionnaire?
No, like the Likert scale, the scale values are not shown in the questionnaire, and the statements are arranged randomly.