What are Likert scales primarily used for in research?

Likert scales are primarily utilized to measure attitudes or opinions because they provide a structured format for respondents to express their level of agreement or disagreement with specific statements. This type of scale typically consists of a range of response options, often from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree," allowing for nuanced responses. Such measurement is particularly valuable in fields like psychology, where understanding individual perspectives, feelings, and attitudes toward various topics is essential for analysis and interpretation of data.

The design of Likert scales fosters a clear quantification of subjective experiences, making it possible to compute averages and other statistical analyses on the responses. This aids researchers in identifying trends, correlations, or differences in attitudes across different groups.

In contrast, options such as gauging demographic information, measuring behavioral frequency, or assessing knowledge or awareness serve different purposes that do not align with the primary function of Likert scales, which is centered on attitudes and opinions. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the specific use of Likert scales in research methodologies.