In making the decision to use a symmetric or non-symmetric scale,a good rule of thumb is to:
A)use neither
B)use the symmetric scale unless the researcher is confident respondents will only use one side of the scale
C)use the non-symmetric scale unless the researcher is confident that respondents will use both sides of the scale
D)always use both to be certain that the respondent has a choice of how to best express his or her attitude
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using a symmetric scale is generally the safer choice unless there is a specific reason to use a non-symmetric scale. This is because a symmetric scale allows respondents to express both positive and negative attitudes, while a non-symmetric scale may be biased towards one end of the continuum. However, if the researcher has reason to believe that respondents will only use one end of the scale (e.g. they have a strong bias towards one side), then a non-symmetric scale may be more appropriate.

In Making the Decision to Use a Symmetric or Non-Symmetric