Abstract
Investigating the structure and assessing the psychometric properties of Likert scales before their application is a prerequisite of scaling theory. However, there are instances in the literature where Likert scales that were developed as a multidimensional measurement of the underlying construct have been applied without first validating their structure and reporting on their reliability. In this paper, to discourage such applications, the required sequence of decisions for such an investigation and assessment based on current theory and practice is demonstrated using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short-form (PSQ-18), a six-dimensional Likert measurement instrument. Although the findings did not confirm the dimensionality of the PSQ-18, they did provide an overall valid and reliable scale, emphasizing the need of validating its structure before application.
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