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Measurement error is lower for visual analogue scales than for slider scales
Tim Angelike1,2, Ulf-Dietrich Reips3
1Research Methods, Assessment, and iScience, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Fach 31, Konstanz, Germany.
Behavior Research Methods
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Visual analogue scales (VAS) showed lower measurement error than slider scales in a study comparing rating scales. VAS also reduced error variability, suggesting they are a more precise tool for data collection.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Survey Methodology
Background:
- Measurement errors in surveys can occur due to discrepancies between intended and actual responses.
- Continuous rating scales are frequently compared to discrete scales in scientific research.
- Previous work by Reips and Funke (2008) established a foundation for comparing response scales.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the measurement error of visual analogue scales (VAS) against various slider scales.
- To determine which continuous rating scale yields the lowest measurement error for percentage estimation tasks.
- To investigate the impact of slider initialization on measurement error.
Main Methods:
- An online study with 222 participants was conducted, comparing VAS with three slider scale conditions (left, middle, right initialization) and a default HTML slider.
- Participants estimated a percentage value on a 0-100% line.
- Measurement error was assessed by comparing estimated values to true values.
Main Results:
- Visual analogue scales (VAS) demonstrated significantly lower measurement error compared to all tested slider scales.
- VAS also resulted in reduced variability of errors, both within and between individuals.
- No significant difference in measurement error was found between the different slider scale initializations, including the default HTML slider.
Conclusions:
- Visual analogue scales (VAS) appear to be a more precise method for data collection than slider scales.
- Researchers and practitioners should carefully consider the potential pitfalls of slider scales when choosing continuous rating scales.
- VAS are recommended for assessments requiring high precision in continuous ratings.
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