High satisfaction rates and the lack of response variability are problematic areas in survey research. An important area of methodological concern for self-report survey is the sensitivity and reliability of the instrument. This research examines the effects of a positive (right) centred scale on the distribution and reliability of satisfaction responses in a positive respondent population. A total of 216 participants were randomly assigned to one of the following three experimental Likert scale conditions: 5–point equal interval balanced scale; 5–point positive (right) packed scale; 5–point positive (right) centred scale. The distribution of responses occurred in the direction hypothesized. Comparable discrimination was found across the three conditions. Although, the study findings did not prove to be significant, the equal interval balanced scale produced the lowest mean score, contrary to previous research findings.

High satisfaction rates and the lack of response variability are problematic areas in survey research. An important area of methodological concern for self-report survey is the sensitivity and reliability of the instrument. This research examines the effects of a positive (right) centred scale on the distribution and reliability of satisfaction responses in a positive respondent population. A total of 216 participants were randomly assigned to one of the following three experimental Likert scale conditions: 5–point equal interval balanced scale; 5–point positive (right) packed scale; 5–point positive (right) centred scale. The distribution of responses occurred in the direction hypothesized. Comparable discrimination was found across the three conditions. Although, the study findings did not prove to be significant, the equal interval balanced scale produced the lowest mean score, contrary to previous research findings.