What does reverse scoring mean?

Reverse scoring is a method used in surveys and assessments to ensure that all items on a scale are aligned in the same direction. It involves inverting the score for certain items so that higher scores consistently reflect a positive attribute or agreement, while lower scores indicate a negative attribute or disagreement. For example, if a scale ranges from 1 to 5, a response of 1 for a negatively Worded item might be recoded to 5. This technique helps maintain consistency in interpreting results and enhances the reliability of the measurement.