Rating ScalesPatricia L. Sitlington, Ph.D.University of Northern Iowa

OverviewAdvantages and

disadvantagesCan be used to gather a

number of different types of information in a number of different settings

Types of Scales: Numerical

Is late for work 1 2 3 4 5

Follows directions SA A D SD

Types of Scales:Graphic Descriptive

Follows directions

___ Does not follow directions even with assistance

___ Follows directions with one-on-one assistance

___ Follows directions with minimum assistance

___ Follows directions independently

Comments:

Steps in Constructing Your Own Rating Scale

1. Decide what areas you want to measure (grooming, on-task behavior)

2. For each area decide what characteristics you want to measure (grooming- clean clothing, clean body)

Steps in Constructing Your Own Rating Scale (Cont.)

3. Define a range for each characteristic

a. Decide how many points on the scale

b. State extremes- very good and very bad

c. State points between these extremes

Steps in Constructing Your Own Rating Scale (Cont.)

4. Arrange items to form the scale

5. Design directions

6. Pilot test your scale

7. Make needed revisions, based on pilot test

Basic Rules Include basic information

Student’s name Rater’s name Rater’s position Setting in which student was observed Rating period (From ___ to ___) Date scale was completed Other information important to you

Basic Rules (Cont.)

Decide on odd or even number of responses

Decide whether or not to group items with same content together

Allow space for comments after each item

Basic Rules (Cont.) Allow space for comments at end of

scale

Write specific directions, including the purpose of scale and how to complete

Put labels at tope of response choices (on every page)