In 1992, 2000, 2005, but not 2010 and forward, respondents were shown a flashcard listing the response categories. In 2010 and forward, respondents were read the response categories but not shown a flashcard. The question text from 2000 forward gave a time span example of, "such as every day for two weeks." Apart from this change, the question remained essentially the same although there were minor changes in the wording of the questions and the response categories. See the survey text tab.

In 1992, the survey form directed interviewers to state, "Please give me a number from the card." and to mark only one choice. In 2000, further clarification is given in the survey form:

Supplemental instructions given in the survey form from 2005 and forward were similar.

In 2010 and forward, the survey form directed interviewers not to read the response category, "do not go out in the sun." This direction was not given in the survey from 2000 or 2005, however there was instruction given to interviewers in the Manuals for these years, "...You might want to use summer or warmer weather as a reference. Then if respondent still can't answer, you might want to suggest using childhood experience as a reference. Do NOT read the answer, "do not go out in the sun." The instruction was also given in years 2010 and forward. This response category was not a choice in 1992.

The 2000 Manual also provides, "By 'sunburn' we mean your skin turns pink or red or hurts for 12 hours or more," and "If asked how much skin needs to be burned, include: 'a burn on even a small part of your body.'" The 2005 and forward Manuals consolidates this to, "By 'sunburn' we mean even a small part of your skin turns red or hurts for 12 hours or more."

For more information, please see SUN1HR.