@Article{info:doi/10.2196/jmir.5271,
author="Kuhlmann, Tim
and Reips, Ulf-Dietrich
and Wienert, Julian
and Lippke, Sonia",
title="Using Visual Analogue Scales in eHealth: Non-Response Effects in a Lifestyle Intervention",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2016",
month="Jun",
day="22",
volume="18",
number="6",
pages="e126",
keywords="eHealth; RCT; VAS; dropout; visual analogue scale; Internet science; measurement",
abstract="Background: Visual analogue scales (VASs) have been shown to be valid measurement instruments and a better alternative to Likert-type scales in Internet-based research, both empirically and theoretically [1,2]. Upsides include more differentiated responses, better measurement level, and less error. Their feasibility and properties in the context of eHealth, however, have not been examined so far. Objective: The present study examined VASs in the context of a lifestyle study conducted online, measuring the impact of VASs on distributional properties and non-response. Method: A sample of 446 participants with a mean age of 52.4 years (standard deviation (SD) = 12.1) took part in the study. The study was carried out as a randomized controlled trial, aimed at supporting participants over 8 weeks with an additional follow-up measurement. In addition to the randomized questionnaire, participants were further randomly assigned to either a Likert-type or VAS response scale version of the measures. Results: Results showed that SDs were lower for items answered via VASs, 2P (Y ≥ 47 | n=55, P=.5) < .001. Means did not differ across versions. Participants in the VAS version showed lower dropout rates than participants in the Likert version, odds ratio = 0.75, 90{\%} CI (0.58-0.98), P=.04. Number of missing values did not differ between questionnaire versions. Conclusions: The VAS is shown to be a valid instrument in the eHealth context, offering advantages over Likert-type scales. The results of the study provide further support for the use of VASs in Internet-based research, extending the scope to senior samples in the health context. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01909349; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01909349 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6h88sLw2Y) ",
issn="1438-8871",
doi="10.2196/jmir.5271",
url="http://www.jmir.org/2016/6/e126/",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.5271",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27334562"
}