Journal of Social Sciences 

About: Journal of Social Sciences is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Government. Over the lifetime, 3447 publications have been published receiving 26028 citations.

Ten Common Misunderstandings, Misconceptions, Persistent Myths and Urban Legends about Likert Scales and Likert Response Formats and their Antidotes

Abstract: A recent article by Jamieson in Medical Education outlined some of the (alleged) abuses of "Likert scales" with suggestions about how researchers can overcome some of the (alleged) methodological pitfalls and limitations[1]. However, many of the ideas advanced in the Jamison article, as well as a great many of articles it cited, and similar recent articles in medical, health, psychology, and educational journals and books, are themselves common misunderstandings, misconceptions, conceptual errors, persistent myths and "urban legends" about "Likert scales" and their characteristics and qualities that have been propagated and perpetuated across six decades, for a variety of different reasons. This article identifies, analyses and traces many of these aforementioned problems and presents the arguments, counter arguments and empirical evidence that show these many persistent claims and myths about "Likert scales" to be factually incorrect and untrue. Many studies have shown that Likert Scales (as opposed to single Likert response format items) produce interval data and that the F-test is very robust to violations of the interval data assumption and moderate skewing and may be used to analyze "Likert data" (even if it is ordinal), but not on an item-by-item "shotgun" basis, which is simply a current research and analysis practice that must stop. After sixty years, it is more than time to dispel these particular research myths and urban legends as well as the various damage and problems they cause, and put them to bed and out of their misery once and for all.

Is There a Conceptual Difference between Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks

Abstract: This is an opinion piece on the subject of whether or not ‘theoretical’ and ‘conceptual’ frameworks are conceptual synonyms, or they refer to different constructs. Although, generally, a lot of lit...

Quality of Psychology Test Between Likert Scale 5 and 6 Points

Abstract: Problem statement: The purposes of this research were (1) to study the quality evaluation psychology test Likert's scale 5 and 6 points (atti tude test, locus of control test and achievement motive test) focusing on construct validity, discri mination and reliability, (2) to compare the study of quality psychology test between Likert's scale 5 an d 6 points and (3) to compare the study for persona l decision making level between Likert's scale 5 and 6 points. Approach: The subjects were 180 (60 for each test) undergraduate students from Mahasarakham University who were selected by purposive sampling. Results: The research tools were attitude test, locus of co ntrol test and achievement motive test comprised of measurement patterns developed for different variables. Means, standard deviation, Factors Analysis, Alpha Coefficient and t-test were used for data analysis. Conclusion/Recommendations: The research revealed that (1) higher component an d Initial Eigenvalues cumulative percent of psychology test L ikert's scale 5 and 6 points, but psychology test Likert's scale 6 points had more higher trend of di scrimination and reliability than Likert's scale 5 points, (2) construct validity, discrimination and reliability among Likert's scale 5 and 6 points wer e compared. It was found different reliability at 0.0 5 level on achievement motive test only and (3) personal decision making level psychology test among Likert's scale 5 and 6 points was different at 0.05 level.

Problems of Policy Implementation in Developing Nations: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract: The paper attempted to identify and proffer possible solutions to the various problems facing developing nations as regards implementation of policies. Apart from discussing the general overview of...

The Effects of Cooperative Learning on Students' Mathematics Achievement and Attitude towards Mathematics

Abstract: Problem statement: The purpose of this study was to determine the eff ect of cooperative learning on mathematics achievement and attitude to wards mathematics. Approach: This quasi- experimental study was carried out on two form one classes in Miri, Sarawak. One class (n = 44) was assigned as an experimental group and the other (n = 38) was assigned as a control group. The two groups were pre-tested prior the implementation. At the end of the study, post test was given, while daily quiz was used as a tool for formative testing . Teaching and learning process was carried out for two weeks. Data were analyzed using the t-test to d etermine performance by comparing the mean of the post test for treatment and control group. Results: The results of this study showed that cooperative learning methods improve students' achievement in mathematics and attitude towards mathematics. Conclusion: The researchers concluded that cooperative learnin g is an effective approach, which mathematics teachers need to incorporate in their t eaching.