- What are open and closed questions?
- Characteristics of open questions
- Examples of open questions
- Characteristics of closed questions
- Examples of closed questions
We explain what open and closed questions are, how they are identified, the characteristics of each one and various examples.
What are open and closed questions?
In general, we differentiate between open questions and closed questions according to the sense in which each one asks the recipient, especially when we need to collect information cautiously and accurately using appropriate responses, as in the case of surveys, questionnaires or evaluations processes (such as educational or school, for example).
Thus, we refer to open questions when they allow the recipient to formulate an answer at will, using their own words, without limiting the range or possible type of comments in their response.
On the other hand, closed questions are those that limit the recipient's response options, forcing them to choose between the available options, which can be different assessments (very good, good, fair, bad, very bad) or simply affirmative or negative (Yes or not).
This classification of questions is very useful when designing statistical or process evaluation tools. Each has its advantages and disadvantages with respect to the other, as well as its contexts application ideals.
A survey or evaluation can consist of both types of questions or only one type, but depending on how it is formulated, a certain type of answers will be obtained and, therefore, a certain type of evaluation will be required.
It is also possible to use mixed or semi-closed questions, which try to find an intermediate point between both possibilities.
Characteristics of open questions
Open questions, as we said, are those that allow free answers of any kind. They are characterized by the following:
- By not limiting the response options beforehand, they get much more varied, diverse, and creative responses, making them useful for recording a wider range of nuances.
- At the same time they are much more difficult to evaluate and to systematize, since there is no standardized way of answering.
- They allow to detail the handling of the language and the ideas of the person who responds, that is, to obtain information beyond the answer to the question asked.
Examples of open questions
Some examples of open questions are:
- Why do you think your presidential candidate should win?
- What does justice mean to you?
- What do you think of the failures and successes of the government's economic management?
- What is your opinion of the new Disney movie?
- How do you think online education should be approached?
- What can be the drawbacks of automating food service?
- How do you think the recent presidential decree will influence your life?
- How important is appearance to you when choosing a partner?
- What would be the best place in the world to start today?
- With what historical figure do you identify?
- What consequences will the devaluation of the currency have on society?
- How could a new electoral system be implemented in the country?
- When will your new book be in bookstores?
- Who are responsible for the current situation of the company?
Characteristics of closed questions
Closed questions, as we said before, are those that limit the recipient's possible responses in advance, offering them a series of options from which they must choose the one that best suits their needs. thought. They are characterized by the following:
- They do not allow Liberty in the response, so that diversity is not sought, but statistical distribution: which of the options raised was chosen more and which less.
- Due to the above, they are much easier and faster to evaluate, and their reading can be systematized and automated.
- At the same time, limiting the type of responses does not allow the information received to be distinguished or individualized, and it subjects the information obtained to the specific way in which the options were formulated in advance. Any error in the options will affect the results obtained.
On the other hand, they are classified as:
- Single selection, when the interviewee must choose a single option among those presented. In turn, they can be dichotomous (yes / no) or polytomous (categorized).
- Multiple-choice, when the interviewee must choose from a list all those options that are appropriate or convenient, without being mutually exclusive.
- From ranking, when the interviewee must rank or order the available options according to their criteria, rather than choose any.
- Scale, when the interviewee must evaluate the options presented using a scale criterion also provided, that is, based on a numerical system (from 1 to 5, from 1 to 10, etc.) or nominal (too, a lot, regular, little, very little) that expresses his opinion.
Examples of closed questions
The following are examples of closed questions:
- Do you confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle? Answer yes or no.
- From 1 (terrible) to 10 (excellent), how would you rate the new Woody Allen movie?
- What is 200 divided by 5?
- Among the options of good, average or bad, how did you find the service of our branch?
- Do you agree or disagree with the approval of law 45698?
- What is your opinion of the government's handling of the pandemic: excellent, good, fair, bad, or poor?
- Are you a US Citizen?
- Do you accept this woman as your legitimate wife?