Figure - available from: Quality of Life Research
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Boxplots of open-ended response frequencies as a function of fixed choice frequency category (upper panel) and vague quantifier category (lower panel)
Source publication
Purpose
The goal of this study is to compare three different types of retrospective frequency response formats on the Healthy Days Symptoms Module (HDSM). Responses are compared in terms of intra-individual consistency, psychometric value, and participant feedback about each type of response format.
Methods
Respondents each completed three version...
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Background
Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most common mental disorders among children and adolescents, and it may seriously affect their growth, daily life, and learning. Self-report scales have been used for diagnosis, which require lengthy testing and personnel.
Methods
A total of 1,241 adolescents were recruited from 16 junior-...
Citations
The presence–severity response format uses a filter question to ask about the presence of a symptom, followed by a question about the severity of that symptom. Only an affirmative response to the filter question triggers the follow-up question. Despite its widespread use, little research has compared the psychometric properties of the presence–severity response format to those of the traditional single-item response format. The purpose of this research was to understand how filter questions influence item responses and characteristics on several short health-related questionnaires. Using two different experimental designs, we find that depending on the construct being measured, the inclusion of a filter question can have a substantial effect on people’s responses, and in turn, the psychometric properties of the items. Overall, the presence–severity response format results in a reduction in symptom reporting and loss of information about individual differences, particularly for people experiencing mild symptoms. Measurement recommendations are provided.
