Response format and coding procedures in research on time perspective: a methodological commentary.
The dimension of time perspective for extension of personal future was examined as it may be affected by response format and coding procedures. A total of 75 undergraduate students responded to a questionnaire containing one of three formats for reporting anticipated future life-events, varying in the structure imposed on responding. Temporal estimates of life-event occurrence were coded using two procedures, each of which permitted a near and a far value. Analyses suggest that the greatest degree of caution should occur in considering the representativeness of far estimates of extension provided under an open-event format. While coding procedures each produced a significant near/far difference, cross-procedure comparisons were not as impressive, despite also being significant. Questions can therefore be raised regarding techniques for obtaining time perspective data and preparing them for analysis.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D012106:Research; D013998:Time Perception