The Guttman Scale is a comparative scaling technique developed by researcher Louis Guttman in 1944.

In a Guttman scale, a unidimensional set of items are ranked in order, much like a Likert scale; items range from least extreme to most extreme position. It is implicit that those who agree with a more extreme position also agree with the less extreme positions preceding it. The rating is scaled by summing all responses until the first negative response in the list.

The Guttman scale has become less popular in recent years, although is still used occasionally

Here is a hypothetical example of the scale:

1. Some children occasionally require physical restraint when unruly. (Least extreme)
2. Slapping a child's hand is an effective discipline technique.
3. Spanking is sometimes necessary to control children.
4. Sometimes children require firm discipline with a belt or whip.
5. Some children need a regular vigorous beating to keep them in line. (Most extreme)

See Also

• Thurstone scale