The results of the pretest indicate no problems with this question, so it can be left in its current form.
Difficulty Probing, General Probing, Specific Probing, Category-Selection Probing, Emergent Probing
Information on the aim and purpose of the test:
Question 10 is designed to determine whether respondents recognize the co-benefits of active transportation and health—that is, whether they generally believe that walking or biking is good for their health. If they tend to disagree or strongly disagree with the statement, they are asked in the follow-up question 11 to explain their reasons.
The purpose of the testing was to examine how participants arrive at their answers and where they place themselves on the response scale. With regard to Question 10, particular attention was given to the reasons for selecting the middle category, “somewhat, somewhat,” and the response option “I don’t know.” In addition, the study examined how easy or difficult participants found it to answer this question. Finally, the study examined how test participants who already cover a large portion of their trips by bicycle respond. Regarding Question 11, the study aimed to determine whether the relevant reasons were captured and, if not, which reasons were missing among test participants who selected “Other.”
Findings:
All test persons selected “Yes, completely” (n = 9) or “Yes, somewhat” (n = 3) in response to Question 10. Accordingly, none of the test persons answered Question 11 regarding the reasons why they do not believe they are doing something good for their health when they travel by bicycle or on foot.
How do the test persons come up with their answers? Does the answer option they chose match their reasoning?
The test persons’ explanations were fully consistent with their answers. They generally explained that by choosing active transportation, they could contribute to their own health, while also taking into account their individual fitness levels and other health-promoting measures in their responses.
§ “This is different from the previous question because, after all, you yourself have the greatest influence [on your health]. It can really make a difference if you simply walk for the 10 minutes a day that you might otherwise spend riding the tram. I do that, too, which is why I think it’s definitely good for you.” (TP01, Answer: Yes, absolutely)
§ “Basically, I think that getting some exercise is really good for you. Especially since I have a job that’s mostly desk work. So going for a walk or riding a bike is a really good way to balance things out. In general, I feel like I just sit around too much and don’t move enough. I couldn’t help but smile a little, because yesterday my physical therapist told me I should take it easy and walk as little as possible.” (TP02, Answer: Yes, absolutely)
§ “I’d say ‘yes, somewhat', but not 'absolutely', because I don’t think it does much good. There are other things that can be more beneficial, like a healthy diet and real exercise. But I’d say it’s a step in the right direction.” (TP04, Answer: Yes, somewhat)
§ “Here I’d say, ‘Yes, absolutely,’ because I’d like to convince myself of that a little bit, and I also believe it’s true. I’m someone who doesn’t usually pay much attention to my health—I smoke. [Cycling] is an important part of my life. It makes me feel like I’m doing a lot for my health [laughs]. It’s also about how I ride my bike. I’m constantly pushing myself to the limit. If a road cyclist is riding in front of me, I absolutely have to pass them—it’s like a battle—and that really gets my heart pumping. It’s good for my mental health, too.” (TP06, Answer: Yes, absolutely)
§ “Because I don’t feel the same every day. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense for me to go anywhere. Then I’d rather stay home, and I feel better the next day. I know that [running] is good for my health, but only up to a certain point, and then the limitations kick in. That’s why ‘somewhat.’” (TP12, Answer: Yes, somewhat)
How easy or difficult is it for the test persons to answer the question?
All participants found Question 10 “very easy” (n = 10) or “somewhat easy” (n = 2) to answer. Only one participant referred heavily to their e-scooter in their response to this question as well, even though the question asked only about bicycling and walking. For them, the focus was on being outdoors as a health-promoting activity.
“Just more exercise, spending more time outdoors, riding my bike more, riding my e-scooter more—just being outside and getting some exercise instead of driving short distances by car. For example, when I want to quickly buy a bag of flour. Others just hop in the car, drive a minute to Rewe, and buy it there. I walk there or ride my e-scooter, so I’m definitely doing myself a favor compared to driving those short distances by car. That’s why ‘Yes, absolutely.’” (TP03, Answer: Yes, absolutely)
