Measuring the subjective response to interior lighting: paired comparisons and semantic differential scaling

Abstract

Paired comparisons and semantic differential (SD) scales were used as part of a larger study assessing subjective responses to linear fluorescent direct/indirect lighting systems. Two experiments were performed under identical lighting conditions, one with each technique, yielding independent subjective response data sets for the same light settings. This article compares independent multidimensional scaling solutions from the two datasets and describes an intercorrelation analysis of the SD scaling responses. These analyses highlight strengths and weaknesses of the two psychometric techniques. Guidance is offered for applying paired comparisons and SD scales in future lighting research.