Assessing Multi-Item Scales for Subjective Measurement

In this paper a method for assessing different multi-item scales in subjective measurement is described and discussed. The method is a combination of analysis of variance models and multivariate techniques. It allows us comparisons among the scales by considering the multivariate information provided by the items. Focus is given on the way individual differences in the use of the scales may be interpreted and crossed with respondent characteristics. The approach is illustrated by analysing data from a survey on the assessment of students’ university quality of life.