Externalizing behaviors, such as problematic substance use and interpersonal aggression, are costly and burdensome to individuals and society. Although most questionnaires rely on Likert-type scales (e.g., “sometimes” vs. “often”), absolute frequency formats (e.g., number of times per week) may yield more objective information and stronger associations with functional impairment. In this project, we compare these two response formats by administering a series of parallel items to a nationally representative panel of 1000 adults. We will examine whether absolute frequency or Likert-type items correlate more strongly with impairment assessed using Barkley Functional Impairment Scale items. Findings will inform clinical screening methods and guide the development of comprehensive externalizing behavior measures, aligning with our R01 grant goals. By identifying the most robust measurement format, this project contributes actionable knowledge for preventing and addressing externalizing behaviors.

This project is part of Surveying the Social World research incubation initiative.