Comparing the Validity of Rating Scales and Ranking Methods in Measuring Perceived Characteristics

Abstract

A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of rating scales and ranking methods. Participants were tasked with assessing perceived characteristics, specifically the height and length of various physical objects, using either a rating scale or a ranking system. To analyze the data, an artificial neural network model was developed for the rankings, while standard statistical tests were employed to evaluate the ratings. The core objective of the study was to determine how accurately these measurement systems reflect actual physical characteristics by statistically comparing the respondents' assessments to the objects' real dimensions. The findings revealed that both rating and ranking approaches are equally valid in their ability to project reality. This equivalence in validity suggests that each method is capable of approximating real-life phenomena with a similar degree of accuracy. The implications of these results are significant for both methodological and epistemological considerations. Methodologically, the study highlights the robustness of both measurement techniques in capturing perceptual data that closely aligns with actual physical properties. Epistemologically, it provides insights into the power of different scales to measure and approximate real-world phenomena, suggesting that researchers can choose between these approaches based on preference or context without sacrificing accuracy. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the strengths and limitations of different measurement systems, particularly in fields where precise and accurate data collection is crucial. By demonstrating the comparable validity of ratings and ranks, this research offers valuable guidance for future studies that seek to measure and interpret perceived characteristics, ensuring that the chosen method is well-suited to the specific requirements of the research context.