Visual Analogue Scale
Encyclopedia
A visual analogue scale is a psychometric
response scale which can be used in questionnaire
s. It is a measurement instrument for subjective characteristics or attitudes that cannot be directly measured. When responding to a VAS item, respondents specify their level of agreement to a statement by indicating a position along a continuous line between two end-points. This continuous (or "analogue") aspect of the scale differentiates it from discrete scales such as the Likert scale
.
In practice, computer-analysed VAS responses may be measured using discrete values due to the discrete nature of computer displays.
The VAS can be compared to other linear scales such as the Likert scale
or Borg scale
. The sensitivity and reproducibility of the results are broadly very similar, although the VAS may outperform the other scales in some cases.
Psychometrics
Psychometrics is the field of study concerned with the theory and technique of psychological measurement, which includes the measurement of knowledge, abilities, attitudes, personality traits, and educational measurement...
response scale which can be used in questionnaire
Questionnaire
A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. Although they are often designed for statistical analysis of the responses, this is not always the case...
s. It is a measurement instrument for subjective characteristics or attitudes that cannot be directly measured. When responding to a VAS item, respondents specify their level of agreement to a statement by indicating a position along a continuous line between two end-points. This continuous (or "analogue") aspect of the scale differentiates it from discrete scales such as the Likert scale
Likert scale
A Likert scale is a psychometric scale commonly involved in research that employs questionnaires. It is the most widely used approach to scaling responses in survey research, such that the term is often used interchangeably with rating scale, or more accurately the Likert-type scale, even though...
.
In practice, computer-analysed VAS responses may be measured using discrete values due to the discrete nature of computer displays.
The VAS can be compared to other linear scales such as the Likert scale
Likert scale
A Likert scale is a psychometric scale commonly involved in research that employs questionnaires. It is the most widely used approach to scaling responses in survey research, such that the term is often used interchangeably with rating scale, or more accurately the Likert-type scale, even though...
or Borg scale
Borg scale
In sports and particularly exercise testing, the Borg RPE Scale measures perceived exertion. In medicine this is used to document the patient's exertion during a test, and sports coaches use the scale to assess the intensity of training and competition. The original scale introduced by Gunnar Borg...
. The sensitivity and reproducibility of the results are broadly very similar, although the VAS may outperform the other scales in some cases.