I have created three examples to show the extremities of Likert scale responses. A typical Likert scale is:įor example purposes I generated some random discrete data that is formatted as a Likert scale. However, the exact number and whether there should be an odd or even number of responses is a topic for another psycometric discussion. Likert scales usually have 5 or 7 response options.

These graphing approaches are based on a list that I have compiled that the different people that I have worked with have used to graph and interpret Likert scales within their organization. This discussion here will show five options on how to graph Likert scale data, will show best/common practice for graphing, and will provide the R code for each graph. However, just because the graph looks like a spider web or like something you can eat for dessert doesn’t mean you should use it. Sadly, poor graphs can be a good way to waste space in an article, take up time in a presentation, and waste a lot of ink all while providing little to no information.Įxcel has made it possible to make all sort of graphs. Graphs can provide an excellent way to emphasize a point and to quickly and efficiently show important information.

Pie chart graphpad prism 5