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Open vs Closed-Ended Questions Explained

The document explains the differences between open-ended and closed-ended questions, highlighting that closed-ended questions can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no,' while open-ended questions require more elaborate responses. It provides examples of both types of questions and discusses their applications in various scenarios, such as surveys and interviews. Additionally, it notes that while open-ended questions often elicit more depth, closed-ended questions can also be complex despite their simplicity.

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84 views2 pages

Open vs Closed-Ended Questions Explained

The document explains the differences between open-ended and closed-ended questions, highlighting that closed-ended questions can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no,' while open-ended questions require more elaborate responses. It provides examples of both types of questions and discusses their applications in various scenarios, such as surveys and interviews. Additionally, it notes that while open-ended questions often elicit more depth, closed-ended questions can also be complex despite their simplicity.

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gc2105061
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Examples of Open-Ended and Closed-Ended Questions

Rab Nawaz Jadoon


Ph.D Scholar (Social Informatics)
COMSATS IIT Abbottabad

In a conversation, when completing a research survey, being interviewed for a job or working on
a homework assignment, you might find yourself presented with a series of closed-ended or
open-ended questions. Close-ended questions are those which can be answered by a simple "yes"
or "no," while open-ended questions are those which require more thought and more than a
simple one-word answer.

Close-Ended Questions
If you can answer a question with only a "yes" or "no" response, then you are answering a close-
ended type of question.

Examples of close-ended questions are:

 Are you feeling better today?


 May I use the bathroom?
 Is the prime rib a special tonight?
 Should I date him?
 Will you please do me a favor?
 Are you pregnant?
 Are you happy?
 Is he dead?

Close-ended questions should not always be thought of as simple questions that anyone can
quickly answer merely because they require a yes or no answer. Close-ended questions can also
be very complicated. For example, "Is 1 in binary equal to 1 in counting numbers?" is a close-
ended question that not everyone would be able to quickly answer.

Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended questions are ones that require more than one word answers. The answers could
come in the form of a list, a few sentences or something longer such as a speech, paragraph or
essay.

Here are some examples of open-ended questions:

 What were the most important wars fought in the history of the United States?
 What are you planning to buy today at the supermarket?
 How exactly did the fight between the two of you start?
 What is your favorite memory from childhood?
 How will you help the company if you are hired to work for us?
 What do you plan to do immediately following graduation from college?
 What types of decorations do you plan to have for your friend's birthday party?
 What was your high school experience like?
 How did you and your best friend meet?
 What sites do you expect to see on your vacation?
 How exactly does one replace the screen to a cellular phone?

Although open-ended questions require lengthier responses than do close-ended questions, open-
ended questions are not always more complicated. For example, asking "What are you planning
to buy today at the supermarket?" may simply require the respondent to read off of a list.

When These Questions Are Used


Either type of question can be used in a wide variety of scenarios. However, if you're looking for
a guide to liken these types of questions to, you can think of close-ended questions as multiple
choice questions on a school exam and open-ended questions as short responses and essay
questions on an exam.

Open-ended Questions

Open-ended questions require a response with more depth and a lengthier response. Open-ended
questions are also helpful in finding out more about a person or a situation, whether it's during an
interview, at a party, or when getting to know a new friend.

Close-ended Questions

Close-ended questions can be answered in only one word or very short phrase. Close-ended
questions can also be used in the situations mentioned above, although they have the potential to
end the conversation.

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