The cumulative scale in social science research was developed by:
(A) L.L. Thrust stone
(B) Likert
(C) Louis Guttman
(D) Charles E. Osgood
Correct Ans: (C)
Explanation:
Louis Guttman developed the cumulative scale, also known as Guttman scaling, as a tool to measure unidimensional constructs in social science research. His method offered a breakthrough in organizing responses in a logical, scalable order. Researchers use this scale to measure how strongly individuals agree with progressively intense statements related to a single topic.
Guttman scaling assumes that agreement with a stronger or more extreme statement implies agreement with all weaker or less extreme statements. For instance, if a respondent agrees with statement 4 on a scale, they are also likely to agree with statements 1 through 3. This property of cumulative agreement is what sets the scale apart.
Researchers often apply this technique in communication studies to assess attitudes toward social issues, political ideologies, or media consumption behavior. It helps identify not just what people believe, but also the strength and consistency of their beliefs.
Unlike the Likert scale, which measures agreement on multiple independent items, Guttman’s scale creates a structured hierarchy of beliefs. Thurstones’s approach focused more on equal intervals between responses. Meanwhile, Charles E. Osgood developed the semantic differential scale, which assesses meaning-based reactions rather than cumulative agreement.
Moreover, Guttman’s method aids in identifying whether the construct being measured truly follows a linear continuum. If responses fit the model well, researchers can make stronger inferences about belief patterns.
Therefore, Guttman’s cumulative scale remains a key contribution to quantitative research in mass communication. It allows for a nuanced understanding of attitude strength, providing valuable insights for both academic studies and applied communication campaigns.
