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

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.