Q. What does it mean in a quantitative instrument with a Likert scale when an item is reverse scored?

What Is Reverse Scoring?

Reverse scoring is the process of flipping the value of a response on a Likert-type scale so that the direction of the item aligns with other items measuring the same construct.

For example, on a 5-point scale:

Why Is Reverse Scoring Used in Validated Instruments?

1. Controlling for Response Bias
   Including both positively and negatively worded items helps reduce acquiescence bias (the tendency to agree with all statements) and inattentive responding.
2. Enhancing Construct Validity
   Reverse-worded items help ensure that participants are reading carefully and not simply responding based on item format.
3. Balanced Item Design
   A well-constructed scale includes items that frame the construct from both positive and negative perspectives. For example, in a self-esteem scale:
   • Positive item: “I feel that I have a number of good qualities.”
   • Negative item: “I feel I do not have much to be proud of.”
     The negative item would need to be reverse-scored to match the positive direction of the scale.

How to Reverse Score in SPSS

Let’s say you have a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree), and Item Q5 is negatively worded.

Step-by-Step in SPSS:

1. Identify Reverse-Coded Items
   This is usually specified in the instrument manual or codebook.
2. Create a New Variable for the Reverse-Scored Item
   • Go to Transform > Compute Variable
   • In the “Target Variable” box, type a new name (e.g., Q5_rev)
   • In the “Numeric Expression” box, enter the formula:
     6 - Q5
     (This formula flips the values for a 1–5 scale.)
3. Click OK
   SPSS will create a new variable (Q5_rev) with the reverse-coded values.
4. Use the Reverse-Scored Variable in Analysis
   When computing scale totals or averages (e.g., in Transform > Compute Variable or Analyze > Scale > Reliability Analysis), use the reverse-scored variable, not the original.

Example: Computing a Total Score

Suppose you have a 5-item scale:

• Q1, Q2, Q3 (positively worded)
• Q4, Q5 (negatively worded)

You reverse-code Q4 and Q5 as Q4_rev and Q5_rev.

To compute the total score:
Use Q1 + Q2 + Q3 + Q4_rev + Q5_rev

Important Notes for Doctoral Students:

• Do Not Reverse the Text—Only the Scoring
  The item remains phrased negatively; only the numerical response is reversed.
• Document Everything
  In your methodology chapter, clearly indicate which items were reverse scored, why, and how.
• Check Reliability Before and After
  Cronbach’s alpha can vary if reverse-coded items are not handled correctly. Always check the internal consistency of your scale with reverse-scored items properly transformed.