Can I use data taken in a 5-point Likert Scale, and convert it as if it were taken as a 4-point Likert?

Question

I made an error in my qualtrics survey, and used a 5-point Likert scale, when the measure was supposed to use a 4-point scale. I have collected a lot of my data for my dissertation, and am now very nervous. Do I have to go back and collect all of my data again?

Answer 1

Map the data zero based:

where

0 - is the lowest possible score

4 - is the highest possible score.

If that is not going to work, then you are going to

to have to combine two of the categories into one category.

One way to do it is to use the formula:

X * 0.8 where X is the score on the 5 point scale.

So X=5 --> the matching score is 5 * 0.8 = 4 , so use 4

x = 4 ---> the matching score is 4 * 0.8 = 3.2, so use 3

x = 3 ---> the matching score is 3 * 0.8 = 2.4, so use 2

x = 2 ---> the matching score is 2 * 0.8 = 1.6, so use 1

x = 1 ---> the matching score is 1 * 0.8 = 0.8, so use 1

this is kind of like the scheme I described above.

Use careful judgement as to which two categories that can be combined.

It is your data and you can interpret it fairly any way you want.