@article{ref1,
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",
year="2000",
author="Gmel, G. and Lokosha, O.",
volume="61",
number="3",
pages="450-454",
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 &quot;three times a day&quot; to &quot;never&quot;). 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.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0096-882X",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}