Cumulative scales are measurement tools used to assess the degree or intensity of a particular attribute, such as attitudes or behaviors. They consist of a series of items or statements that respondents evaluate, typically on a Likert scale, which ranges from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." The scores from these items are then summed to provide an overall measure. These scales are useful in research and surveys because they capture a range of responses, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of opinions. Cumulative scales can be applied in various fields, including psychology, education, and market research, to analyze trends and patterns in data.