ratingtype

Ratingtype is a metadata concept used in information systems to describe how a rating value is scaled and interpreted. It acts as a descriptor attached to a rating or set of ratings to indicate the form of the rating, the numerical scale, and any rules for normalization, aggregation, or display. By encoding the type of rating alongside the value, software can render appropriate input controls, apply correct validation, and aggregate results in a consistent way across different contexts.

In data models, ratingtype is commonly stored as an enumerated code or string together with fields such as rating_value and rating_count. Its core purpose is to ensure that applications interpret and compare ratings correctly, even when sources use different scales. This facilitates operations like averaging, ranking, and cross-system analytics. Ratingtype can also influence user interface decisions, determining whether to show stars, a numeric slider, a percentage bar, or a binary thumbs-up/down control.

Common forms of ratingtype include: 'star-5' for a 1–5 star scale; 'percent' for a 0–100 scale; 'binary' for yes/no or up/down; 'Likert-5' for a five-point agreement scale; and 'numeric' for general numerical scores. Each form implies specific constraints on rating_value and may require normalization when combining data from multiple sources.

Design considerations for ratingtype include data normalization, interoperability across systems, and clear validation rules to maintain data quality and enable meaningful analytics. See also rating scale, data normalization, and rating value.