Research Topics:

Data Analysis | Quantitative Research | Questionnaire Analysis

Content Type:

Glossary

Forced Rating Scale Definition

A scale that does not allow a neutral or no-opinion choice.

A forced rating scale is a quantitative research technique that relies on a scale that does not permit a neutral or “no opinion” choice. The method involves presenting respondents with a set of items, attributes or features. They are required to assign ratings or scores based on a scale, often without the option of neutral or middle values. The goal of this technique is to gather opinions and preferences about various aspects of a product or service. One benefit of this method is its ability to quantify customer opinions. It provides structured data that can be analyzed statistically, thus offering insights into customer preferences, strengths and areas for improvement of products or services.

Who relies on a forced rating scale?

Marketing researchers, product managers and companies use a forced rating scale as a structured approach for collecting and analyzing customer opinions and preferences. With this numerical data of customer perceptions, companies can make informed decisions about product development, positioning and marketing strategies.

Why should I care about a forced rating scale?

The forced rating scale calculates insights on how customers perceive and judge attributes of products and services. Businesses can use these insights to align their offerings with customer preferences, to enhance customer satisfaction and to make strategic decisions to stay competitive in the market.