Distinguishing Open-Ended & Closed-Ended Questions

Open vs Closed Questions

The primary distinction between open and closed questions is the expected response. Open questions require a detailed and lengthy answer, while closed questions require a short answer, typically a single word or phrase. This difference is demonstrated by the following examples. If someone asks your name, there is only one answer; however, if someone asks about your family background, you will need to provide a more detailed response. Similarly, you can answer a question about the weather in a single word or sentence, but if someone new to the area asks about the causes of the weather, a more in-depth response is necessary. Let’s further explore the differences between open and closed questions.

Key Takeaways

• Closed questions expect a short answer, such as a single word or phrase.
• Open questions require a longer, more detailed response.
• Both open and closed questions have their uses, depending on the context and desired information.

What is a Closed Question?

A closed question is a simple question that expects a short answer. This short answer can be a single word or a short phrase. Closed questions generally have one answer or limited options, such as Yes/No or True/False, or multiple-choice questions. For example, exams often feature closed-ended questions, where you must select one of several alternatives. These types of questions make the task of an examiner or researcher easier, as they generate either a correct or incorrect answer, allowing for quick analysis.

What is an Open Question?

An open question is a question that expects a long answer. These questions require a detailed, descriptive response. Examples of open questions include those often found in exams, where you must write a lengthy answer. With open-ended questions, both the examiner and the candidate’s knowledge is tested. Researchers use open-ended questions to gather more varied responses and learn more about a candidate’s personality. However, analyzing open-ended questions can be more time-consuming.

What is the difference between Open and Closed Questions?

• Definition: Closed questions have one correct answer or limited options, while open questions do not have a perfect answer and require additional details and information.
• Response: Closed questions receive short answers, while open questions receive long answers.
• Application: Closed questions are used to begin a conversation or check understanding, while open questions are used to develop a conversation further and learn more about a respondent.
• Advantages: Closed questions are to the point and clear, while open questions allow for exploration of a respondent’s personality and opinions.
• Disadvantages: Closed questions can be too restrictive, while open questions may provide lengthy answers, making it difficult to determine a person’s exact opinion.

Researchers use both open and closed questions to gain insight into a subject, depending on the context and desired information.