Fuzzy rating scales: Does internal consistency of a measurement scale benefit from coping with imprecision and individual differences in psychological rating?

Abstract

Abstrac Measuring psychological variables (attitudes, opinions, perceptions, feelings, etc.) there is a need for rating scales coping with both the natural imprecision and individual differences. In this respect, the so-called fuzzy rating scales have been introduced as a doubly continuous instrument allowing to capture both imprecision and individual differences. Aiming to show the advantages of using fuzzy rating scales in the setting of questionnaires, the extended Cronbach α is considered to quantify the internal consistency associated with constructs involving fuzzy rating scale-based items. This extended tool allows us to draw interesting conclusions, the main one supporting the use of fuzzy rating scales instead of standard ones (namely, Likert type, visual analogue, and even fuzzy linguistic scales). Although general theoretical conclusions could not be drawn, unequivocal majority trends can be stated from simulation-based and real-life examples.