Close-ended questions are questions that require a short, specific response, typically limited to options like "yes" or "no," true or false," or selecting from a predetermined set of multiple-choice answers. They restrict the respondent's ability to elaborate or provide detailed explanations.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Definition: Close-ended questions aim for concise answers, offering limited response options.
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Characteristics:
- Limited Choices: Respondents must choose from pre-defined answers.
- Easy to Analyze: The fixed response format makes data analysis straightforward.
- Specific Information: They gather specific, factual information.
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Examples:
- "Have you studied for the test?" (Yes/No)
- "Is the Earth round?" (True/False)
- "Which subject do you prefer? (a) Math (b) Science (c) English (d) History"
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Purpose: Close-ended questions are useful for:
- Collecting quantifiable data.
- Getting quick answers.
- Conducting surveys with standardized responses.
- Testing knowledge or comprehension.
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Contrast with Open-Ended Questions: Unlike open-ended questions that encourage detailed, free-form responses, close-ended questions limit the scope of the answer.
In essence, close-ended questions are designed to gather structured data efficiently by offering a restricted set of answer choices. This makes them a valuable tool for surveys, quizzes, and data collection where quantifiable results are desired.
