What is a Close-Ended Question?

Close-ended questions are questions designed to elicit specific, predetermined responses. Typically, they are structured in such a way that respondents choose from a set of provided options. For example, a simple yes/no question like “Do you enjoy reading?” is a classic example of a close-ended question.

How Close-Ended Questions Work

These questions are tailored to restrict the scope of answers, making them highly useful in structured surveys, interviews, and research studies. Respondents are guided to select from a fixed range of responses, ensuring that their answers align closely with the question's intent.

When to Use Close-Ended Questions?

Ideal Scenarios for Close-Ended Questions

Close-ended questions are perfect when the goal is to collect measurable, quantitative data. Examples include:

• Conducting surveys to gauge customer satisfaction.
• Gathering feedback during employee evaluations.
• Performing standardized tests or quizzes.

Comparing Open-Ended and Close-Ended Questions

While open-ended questions allow for detailed, narrative responses, close-ended questions excel in situations requiring concise and comparable data. For instance, instead of asking, "What do you think about our service?" you can ask, "Would you recommend our service to others? Yes or No."

Types of Close-Ended Questions

Dichotomous Questions

These are binary questions offering two possible responses, such as "Yes" or "No." They are ideal for clear, straightforward answers.

Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions provide several options for the respondent to choose from. For example, “Which of the following do you prefer? A) Tea B) Coffee C) Juice.”

Rating Scale Questions

Rating scale questions measure attitudes or opinions on a defined scale, such as 1 to 5 or 1 to 10. A common example is, “How satisfied are you with our service on a scale of 1 to 10?”

Checklist Questions

These questions allow respondents to select multiple answers from a list, such as “Which of the following features do you use? (Select all that apply).”

Advantages of Close-Ended Questions

Easier to Analyze Responses

Close-ended questions produce standardized data that is straightforward to analyze using statistical tools.

Time-Efficient for Respondents and Researchers

Both respondents and researchers benefit from the brevity and clarity of these questions, leading to faster completion and data processing.

Encourages Focused Responses

By limiting the range of answers, close-ended questions help avoid irrelevant or overly detailed responses.

Disadvantages of Close-Ended Questions

Lack of Depth in Responses

Close-ended questions can restrict respondents from expressing detailed or nuanced opinions.

Risk of Misinterpretation

If the options provided are unclear or inadequate, respondents may choose answers that do not fully represent their views.

Best Practices for Writing Close-Ended Questions

Clarity and Simplicity

Ensure the questions are straightforward and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or complex language that could confuse respondents.

Avoiding Ambiguity

Be precise with response options to eliminate any room for interpretation. For instance, instead of asking, "How often do you exercise?" specify the frequency with options like “Daily,” “Weekly,” or “Never.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leading Questions

Avoid framing questions that influence the respondent’s answer. For example, “Don’t you think our product is great?” can bias the response.

Overloading with Options

Providing too many response choices can overwhelm respondents and dilute the quality of the data collected.