Comparison of Parametric and Non-Parametric Methods to Analyse the Data Gathered by a Likert-Type Scale

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to reveal whether the results of the analysis of the data obtained using Likert type scales (LTSs) with parametric and non-parametric methods in different response alternative (DRA) numbers will differ in terms of statistical significance. In this respect, the data were obtained from 271 university students with CETSCALE prepared using LTS in five different response alternatives (DRAs). The data were analysed using the one sample t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Significant findings of the study in the analysis of the data obtained using midpoint LTSs and with the normal distribution with both parametric and non-parametric methods couldn't be found. Similarly, the data obtained by four response alternative numbers with the normal distribution were analysed by both methods, and the significant findings were revealed. However, the results of the data obtained by six and eight response alternative numbers with parametric methods were found to be statistically significant while their analysis by non-parametric methods did not reveal significant findings.