A close-ended question is framed to elicit a specific, limited response, typically from a predefined set of options.
Understanding Close-Ended Questions
Close-ended questions are designed to gather precise data and are easily quantifiable. These questions limit responses to a small range of options, making them easy to analyze. According to our reference, closed-ended questions can only be answered by selecting from a limited number of options, usually multiple-choice questions with a single-word answer ('yes' or 'no') or a rating scale (e.g., from strongly agree to strongly disagree).
How to Frame Close-Ended Questions
Here's how to frame effective close-ended questions:
1. Choose the Right Question Type
- Binary Questions: These have two possible answers, often "yes" or "no."
- Example: "Did you enjoy the event?"
- Multiple Choice Questions: Provide several options, from which respondents select one.
- Example: "Which of these best describes your experience? a) Excellent, b) Good, c) Fair, d) Poor"
- Rating Scale Questions: Use a scale to measure attitudes, opinions, or satisfaction.
- Example: "On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you with our services?" (1 = Very Dissatisfied, 5 = Very Satisfied)
- Checklists: Respondents check all applicable options.
- Example: "Which of these features are most important to you? [ ] Feature A [ ] Feature B [ ] Feature C"
2. Ensure Clarity
- Use straightforward language.
- Avoid jargon or technical terms.
- Make the answer choices very clear.
3. Focus on Specific Information
- Target a single concept with each question.
- Don't ask double-barreled questions (questions that ask about multiple things at once).
4. Provide Exhaustive and Mutually Exclusive Options
- Ensure answer choices cover all possible responses.
- Make sure the options do not overlap.
5. Keep It Brief
- Short questions are easier to understand and answer.
- Avoid long, complex sentence structures.
Examples of Close-Ended Questions
| Question Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Binary | Is this your first time using our service? |
| Multiple Choice | Which platform do you prefer? a) Mobile app b) Website c) Desktop app |
| Rating Scale | Rate your agreement with the following statement: "The product was easy to use." (1-5) |
| Checklist | Select all features that interest you: [ ] A [ ] B [ ] C [ ] D |
Advantages of Close-Ended Questions
- Easy to analyze.
- Quantifiable results.
- Quick to answer.
- Standardized responses.
When to Use Close-Ended Questions
- When you need specific data.
- For large-scale surveys.
- When you need easily comparable data.
- When you have limited time for data collection.
In summary, framing a close-ended question involves carefully selecting a question type that suits your purpose, using clear and concise language, and providing options that are comprehensive and exclusive. Following these guidelines will result in effective questionnaires that yield valuable, measurable data.
