Effect of response scales on self-reported exercise frequency.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of 5 different numerical response scales--continuous-open, dichotomous-yes/no, and continuous-closed numerical (CCN) with 3 different ranges of response frequencies (low, medium, high)--on the proportion of respondents defined as regular exercisers.


METHODS
We randomly assigned 500 undergraduate students to complete 1 of the 5 numerical response scales.


RESULTS
The percentage of participants defined as regular exercisers ranged from 14% in the CCN low-frequency group to 45% in the CCN high-frequency group [chi2 (4, 500) = 28.90; P<.001].


CONCLUSIONS
The different numerical response scales have a significant impact on the estimated percentage of regular exercisers.
Courneya
Kerry S
KS
Faculty of Physical Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. kerry.courneya@ualberta.ca
Jones
Lee W
LW
Rhodes
Ryan E
RE
Blanchard
Chris M
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D035841:Behavioral Research / Q000379:methods*; D003071:Cognition; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities