Examining the Inclusion of Neutral Response Categories Using an Item Response Theory Approach

Analysis of a Randomized Survey of Teachers

Louis T. Mariano, Andrea Phillips, Kevin Estes, M. Rebecca Kilburn

Published Jan 9, 2024

Survey Likert scales with degree-of-agreement response categories are commonly fielded. Whether to offer a neutral response category for such scales is not well informed. Using data from a randomized survey of teachers and an Item Response Theory-based analytic approach, RAND researchers examine the utilization of a neutral response option when offered and discuss potential changes to conclusions depending on neutral category presence.

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Mariano, Louis T., Andrea Phillips, Kevin Estes, and M. Rebecca Kilburn, Examining the Inclusion of Neutral Response Categories Using an Item Response Theory Approach: Analysis of a Randomized Survey of Teachers. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2024. https://www.rand.org/pubs/working_papers/WRA3135-1.html.
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