The Power of Multi-Item Scales in Psychological Assessments

What is a multi-item scale?

Is it true that a multi-item scale consists of multiple items where each item is a question or statement to be evaluated?

Answer:

It is true that a multi-item scale consists of multiple items where each item is a question or statement to be evaluated.

A scale consisting of multiple items, where an item is a single question or statement to be evaluated, is indeed called a multi-item scale. This is true. Multi-item scales are commonly used in psychological assessments and research surveys to measure attitudes, opinions, or behaviors.

An example of such an assessment employing true/false questions is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), known for its rigorous clinical scales and validity scales to ensure accurate results. In these tests, the Likert-type scale is frequently used, presenting statements with response options that typically range from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). This method allows for a nuanced analysis of a person’s responses over a spectrum of agreement or disagreement.