Forum Discussion
Likert scale
Hello, very very new to PowerBI and I'm trying to analyse survey data based around likert scales (eg. strongly disagree-strongly agree). I can't stop PowerBI from aggregating the the amount of likert responses, instead of displaying what number of respondents selected each option on the scale it just displays how many responded to the question. I've tried changing the count to distinct and changing the data type to 'text' in Power Query Editor, so far no luck. Help would be much appreciated!
Hi JamesMoulton
It's important to note that if you're looking to identify trends against seniority, a cluster graph isn't the best tool for the job.
This is because you can only focus on one cluster at a time. Additionally, coloring each category a different color forces the reader to constantly compare it to the legend.My personal recommendation would be to use a Small Multiple graph for each type of response by seniority. The graphs should be colored in the same color scheme, with the intensity of the color corresponding to the strength of the response (strong to weak or vice versa).
For example, the graph in the image
The pbix with both visuals is attached
If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly
5 Replies
- Ritaf1983Super User
Hi JamesMoulton
Please provide sample data that covers your issue or question completely, in a usable format (not as a screenshot).
https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Community-Blog/How-to-provide-sample-data-in-the-Power-BI-Forum/ba-...
Please show the expected outcome based on the sample data you provided.
https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Desktop/How-to-Get-Your-Question-Answered-Quickly/m-p/1447523- JamesMoultonRegular Visitor
Hello Ritaf1983 I hope these will do, I've just taken a sample of the data from the survey I'm working on. Length of employment and familiarity with 'X'. I'm trying to use PowerBI to generate graphs similar to the one you can see in the excel file (though I know the likert is in the wrong order there). https://1drv.ms/x/c/a13f09568fd1d70e/EV4rSGi74B1BiebcJXHTX-sBXWOBTpb3cQ6Halr1-mOoUg?e=UEpaii
https://1drv.ms/u/c/a13f09568fd1d70e/EeSvnx_EZx9Egip4W7sWn5cBO4aDUKozDzx2hu_VmdxtRQ?e=TwTVvo
- Ritaf1983Super User
Hi JamesMoulton
It's important to note that if you're looking to identify trends against seniority, a cluster graph isn't the best tool for the job.
This is because you can only focus on one cluster at a time. Additionally, coloring each category a different color forces the reader to constantly compare it to the legend.My personal recommendation would be to use a Small Multiple graph for each type of response by seniority. The graphs should be colored in the same color scheme, with the intensity of the color corresponding to the strength of the response (strong to weak or vice versa).
For example, the graph in the image
The pbix with both visuals is attached
If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly
- johnbasha33Super User
Here's how you can do it:
Ensure Likert Scale is treated as Categorical Data:
- In Power Query Editor, ensure that the Likert scale column is loaded as text or categorical data type. If it's currently loaded as a numerical data type, change it to text.
- Right-click on the column header in Power Query Editor, select "Change Type", and choose "Text".
Use a Table Visualization:
- When you're visualizing the Likert scale responses, ensure that you're using a table visualization rather than a chart (such as a bar chart or column chart). This allows you to see each Likert option separately without aggregation.
Ensure Data Model Is Correct:
- Check your data model to ensure that the Likert scale responses are not aggregated at the data model level. They should be treated as individual responses for each respondent.
Check Visualization Settings:
- If you're using a chart visualization and it's aggregating the responses, ensure that the visualization settings are configured to display individual responses rather than aggregating them. For example, in a bar chart, you may need to set the aggregation function to "Don't summarize" or "Do not summarize" for the Likert scale column.
- JamesMoultonRegular Visitor
Hi johnbasha33
Thank you for your suggestions, I've followed 1,2, and 4 and still no luck. I'm a little confused by step 3, would you mind explaining how to go about checking this? Would this be within 'model view'?
Thank you!