Self-reported frequency of drinking assessed with a closed- or open-ended question format: a split-sample study in Switzerland

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_463C07F98901
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Title
Self-reported frequency of drinking assessed with a closed- or open-ended question format: a split-sample study in Switzerland
Journal
Journal of Studies on Alcohol
Author(s)
Gmel  G., Lokosha  O.
ISSN
0096-882X (Print)
Publication state
Published
Issued date
05/2000
Volume
61
Number
3
Pages
450-4
Notes
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't --- Old month value: May
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.
Keywords
Adult Aged Alcohol Drinking/*epidemiology/psychology Chi-Square Distribution Female Humans Male Middle Aged Multivariate Analysis *Questionnaires Switzerland/epidemiology
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
25/01/2008 17:16
Last modification date
20/08/2019 13:51
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