The question as to whether the format of a scale influences results has been examined infrequently and with conflicting answers. Two Likert-type formats, one with all choice points defined and the other with only end-points defined, were administered to 121 subjects. Each subject completed half of the items in the defined and the other half in the end-defined condition. Results were not significantly different between forms, nor did subjects indicate a format preference. Although the end-defined items exhibited greater variability than did the every-point defined items, the results suggest that minor Likert-type format changes do not critically affect outcomes.

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Festinger (1957) hypothesized that cognitive dissonance would be aroused postdecision and that the more weighty the choice, the greater the dissonance. His first hypothesis has been supported in racetrack betting and in guessing contests; however, no attempt was made to test the hypothesis that the greater the stakes, the greater the dissonance. In addition to replicating the Knox and Inkster 1968 racetrack betting study, this research focused on the size of the bet and the amount of confidence expressed. 129 Charleston, West Virginia racetrack bettors recorded their confidence in winning shortly before or immediately after placing bets smaller or greater than $5.00. Chi-squared analyses indicated that postdecision dissonance occurred, but a two-sample t test indicated no significant relationship between size of the bet and bettors' confidence. Possible reasons for the lack of support are discussed.

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