Suchergebnisse

An assessment of the effects of the range of response categories provided in a closed-answer format on behavioral reports. Two sampling groups (total N = 211 West German adults) were surveyed during Mar & Apr 1983 using separate range scales to determine the amount of daily TV watched. The first group (N = 132 Rs), which had a choice of answers ranging from .5 to 2.5+ hours, reported less use of TV than the second sample (N = 79 Rs), which had a range of 2.5 to 4.5+ hours. The data on TV's importance also reflected the questions' construction, with group one indicating less satisfaction with TV but considering it more important than group two. The results demonstrate that the response scale provides Rs with a frame of reference for estimating their own behavior, & is not simply a measurement device. It is suggested that researchers consider the use of open-answer formats in obtaining data on behavioral frequencies. 2 Tables, 8 References. Modified HA