G Gmel1, O Lokosha. 1. Research Department, Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems, Lausanne.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine whether reporting of drinking frequency differed according to whether the question asked was open or closed ended. METHOD: In a split-sample design with 994 participants responding to a questionnaire, the question on usual frequency of drinking for one sample (n = 457) was open ended, and for the other (n = 537) was closed ended (participants were offered seven response alternatives, ranging from "three times a day" to "never"). RESULTS: The closed-ended question elicited higher frequencies of drinking than the open-ended question. No significant interactions could be found between sociodemographic background variables and question format. CONCLUSION: This study does not support the general recommendation of survey methodologists that questions about frequency of behavior be open ended.
OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine whether reporting of drinking frequency differed according to whether the question asked was open or closed ended. METHOD: In a split-sample design with 994 participants responding to a questionnaire, the question on usual frequency of drinking for one sample (n = 457) was open ended, and for the other (n = 537) was closed ended (participants were offered seven response alternatives, ranging from "three times a day" to "never"). RESULTS: The closed-ended question elicited higher frequencies of drinking than the open-ended question. No significant interactions could be found between sociodemographic background variables and question format. CONCLUSION: This study does not support the general recommendation of survey methodologists that questions about frequency of behavior be open ended.
Authors: Sara L Swenson; Stephanie Buell; Patti Zettler; Martha White; Delaney C Ruston; Bernard Lo Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2004-11 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Wynne Callon; Mary Catherine Beach; Somnath Saha; Geetanjali Chander; Ira B Wilson; Michael Barton Laws; Victoria Sharp; Jonathan Cohn; Richard Moore; P Todd Korthuis Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2016-05-19 Impact factor: 5.128