Semantic scale

Semantic scale in online surveys

Last updated: 03 SEP 2023

Semantic scale, also known as semantic differential or Osgood scale (from the name of its creator - American psychologist Charles E. Osgood, 1916-1991) is commonly used for the evaluation of attitudes, products, or services.

Scale is made of a few points usually 5 or 7. Points can be labeled with numbers and extreme points are described with two bipolar adjectives - antonyms (f.e. good - bad, easy - difficult, interesting - boring, cheap - expensive, ...).

Example 1. Semantic scale with labels

What is your opinion about product X?

semantic scale without labels

Example 2. Semantic scale without labels

What is your opinion about product X?

semantic scale with labels

The best way to create a semantic scale is to use matrix question. It allows to add labels on the scale end and provides an easy way to assess several items on a single scale.

author: Jakub Wierusz

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