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Bernard K

5 Ways to Visualize Likert Scale Data in Tableau

five ways to visualize likert scale data in tableau

Introduction

Likert scales are commonly used to measure opinions, attitudes, and perceptions by asking respondents to rate their level of agreement or disagreement with a statement on a scale (with ratings ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree etc.).

A very good example of Likert survey question is in the question below seeking the opinion of students regarding the quality of materials/instructions provided by trainers.

example of a likert scale question

Such a survey question would result in a sample data like the one in the screen shot below.

example of a likert scale data

(In the sample dataset above, you can see how different respondents rated the quality of different training materials – with ratings ranging from “Highly dissatisfied” to “Highly satisfied”)

With such kind of dataset (Likert scale data), there are several ways in which you can analyze, visualize, and present it.

In this article, I will be sharing five ways in which you can visualize such data in Tableau.

1. 100% stacked bar/column charts.

In a 100% stacked bar chart, the bars are split into colored bar segments placed on top of each other. Each bar height is fixed at 100%, with the colored bar segments representing respondent’s opinions computed relative to the (total number of respondents) total bar. This makes it easy to compare the relative distribution of responses across different questions or groups.

100% stacked bar/column chart

2. Multiple bars (separate bars)

In multiple bars, respondent’s opinions are represented as separate bars, making it easier for data consumers to read individual values. Though this viz simplifies the ability to read values, it tends to lose the comparison aspect (part to whole analysis), and again it consumes a lot of space which makes the viz unsuitable in space constrained dashboards.

multiple bars (separate bars)

3. Diverging bars

The diverging bar chart features two sets of bars that diverge from a central baseline, often representing neutral responses. This format facilitates comparison between two opposing sentiments, with one side indicating negative responses and the other positive. The central line represents the neutral responses.

diverging bars in tableau

4. Diverging bars with neutrals separate

Just like the diverging chart, this chart compares sentiments between two opposing sides. The only difference is that the neutral responses are represented as a separate bar chart.

Diverging bars with neutrals separate

5. Diverging bars with + ve & - ve opinions combined

This chart combines the positive and negative sentiments to get the overall perception of the two opposing sides.

Diverging bars with +ve & -ve opinions combined

Conclusion

Next time you’re visualizing survey data, try some of the ideas shared in this article to analyze, visualize, and present Likert scale data.

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About Me

More About the Author

Bernard K

Analytics Consultant | 3X Tableau Certified

Bernard is a data analytics consultant helping businesses reveal the true power of their data and bring clarity to their reporting dashboards. He loves building things and sharing knowledge on how to build dashboards that drive better outcomes.

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