What is the Thurstone Scale Assessment?

The Thurstone Scale is a classic psychometric instrument for measuring attitudes and opinions across multiple topics using carefully constructed statements that respondents rate for agreement.

Who developed the Thurstone Scale and when?

Developed by Louis Leon Thurstone, a pioneer in psychometrics, and first published in 1928.

What type of assessment is the Thurstone Scale?

It is a self-report attitude measurement scale using the method of equal-appearing intervals.

What does the Thurstone Scale assess?

• Attitudes toward technology and innovation
• Environmental consciousness and sustainability
• Educational values and priorities
• Healthcare system preferences
• Social and political attitudes
• Attitude strength and consistency
• Direction of opinions (positive/negative)
• Attitude variability across domains

How many items and what format?

20 attitude statements, rated on a 7-point scale (Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree).

How is the Thurstone Scale scored?

Domain-specific averages and total attitude scores. Higher scores indicate more positive attitudes; attitude strength measured by deviation from neutral.

Are there versions of the Thurstone Scale?

Original method of equal-appearing intervals; many adaptations exist for specific attitude domains and populations.

Who can use the Thurstone Scale?

Researchers, psychologists, sociologists, market researchers, and educators studying attitudes and public opinion.

What are the strengths of the Thurstone Scale?

Excellent psychometric properties, measures both attitude direction and intensity, reliable and valid for attitude research, and widely used in social sciences.

What are the limitations of the Thurstone Scale?

Time-consuming development process; may not capture complex attitudes; self-report format subject to social desirability bias; requires statistical expertise for construction.

How is the Thurstone Scale used?

Attitude research, public opinion surveys, market research, political polling, educational assessment, and social psychology studies.