Comparison of two techniques to obtain retrospective reports of drinking behavior from alcohol abusers

Stephen A. Maisto, Linda C. Sobell, A. Mitch Cooper, Mark B. Sobell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two different interview techniques, used to obtain retrospective reports of daily drinking behavior from alcohol abusers, were empirically evaluated for degree of consistency. Fifteen male alcohol abusers receiving outpatient treatment for alcohol problems participated in two different studies: an alcohol treatment outcome study conducted by the Rand Corporation, and an evaluation of the reliability and validity of a time-line follow-back interview technique. The degree of consistency of self-reports of certain demographic information as well as drinking and related behaviors occuring 30 days pretreatment was evaluated. Correlational and scatterplot analyses showed a moderate to high degree of agreement between the two data sources, lending confidence to the information obtained from each of the interview methods. Limits on the generalizability of these findings are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)33-38
Number of pages6
JournalAddictive Behaviors
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1982
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Toxicology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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