An instrument designed to determine the opinion on or attitude toward a particular subject and contains a number of declarative statements is known as:

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur lecturer 2021

Explanation

A Likert scale is a psychometric tool specifically designed to measure attitudes, values, and feelings.
It consists of a series of declarative statements to which respondents indicate their degree of agreement or disagreement.
The scale typically uses a 5-point system (e.g., Strongly Agree, Agree, Uncertain, Disagree, Strongly Disagree), which directly aligns with the question's description.
The key differentiator is the use of 'declarative statements' to gauge opinion, which is the defining feature of a Likert scale.

Option A: A checklist is used to verify the presence or absence of an item, action, or behavior. It does not measure the degree or strength of an opinion.
Option C: A 'rating scale' is a broad, general term. A Likert scale is a specific type of rating scale. The question provides a precise definition that best fits the more specific term.
Option D: A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is used to measure the intensity of a subjective experience (like pain) along a continuous line. It does not use declarative statements.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of Measurement Scales in Research as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In nursing research, Likert scales are frequently used to measure concepts like patient satisfaction, nurse job satisfaction, burnout, and attitudes toward new policies or technologies.
Understanding these scales is crucial for nurses to critically appraise research articles and participate in evidence-based practice.
What if the goal was to measure the intensity of a patient's pain, not their opinion about care? In that case, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) would be the more appropriate tool.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrases in the question stem: 'determine the opinion on or attitude' and 'contains a number of declarative statements'.
Next, analyze the function of each option. A checklist verifies presence/absence. A rating scale is a broad term. A VAS measures intensity on a line.
The Likert scale is specifically defined as using declarative statements to measure attitudes.
Match the key phrase 'declarative statements' directly to the definition of the Likert scale.
This direct match makes it the most precise and correct answer among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QXO_AOANEVp9lryFqvnOFA

E6 Nursing Education & Educational TechnologySuresh k Sharma (pp 21-557 of 572) pp. 411-413, 386-388

E6 NursingResearch Suresh Sharma 5e Part 2 p. 21-23

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur lecturer 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.