Abstract:
The Quality of School Life of students in Years 7 to 12 at two secondary schools was investigated using a variety of response formats, including four, five and six categories, and reversed scales. The factor structure, reliability coefficients and scale means were compared for the different formats, and then examined by sex, year level and ability of the students. Although there were some differences in factor structure and scale means, these were relatively consistent across formats. Scale reliabilities, however, differed with formats having an even number of categories exhibiting higher reliabilities than the 5-category format, including an "Undecided" category. Other differences related to format are also described and discussed.