Scale Construction Using "Maximum" and "Minimum" Anchor Points: Evaluating Limitations and Multiple Meanings

Robert T. Whipple, Ed.D., NCSP

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Scale construction in research relies heavily on anchor words like “maximum” and “minimum” to provide structure and interpretability. However, these terms carry multiple meanings depending on the context, leading to measurement inconsistencies and biases. This study evaluates the use of these extreme anchors, highlighting issues of response bias, ambiguity, and cultural variability. The methodology incorporates AI-assisted research techniques, including natural language processing (NLP) and sentiment analysis, to examine how respondents interpret these anchor words across large-scale datasets. The results suggest that alternative word choices can enhance validity, reliability, and response accuracy. This study presents graphical analyses, a data table, and methodological insights, offering best practices for scale construction.