Consistency of Response Style across Types of Response Formats

Abstract

Effects of response style on various commonly used fixed-response formats are examined. Data suggest that Likert-type formats are relatively consistently affected by response style regardless of the number of categories in the format. Non-anchored numbers were less affected by stylistic responses, while linear formats and various forms of human faces are the most problematic. Across types, strongest correlations were obtained for the various forms of linear formats and human faces making their use problematic.