Which Of The Following Is A Closed Question

Which of the following is a closed question? Understanding Question Types for Effective Communication

This article explores the concept of closed questions and how to identify them, contrasting them with open questions. Understanding the difference is crucial for effective communication, whether in interviews, surveys, or everyday conversations. We'll delve into examples to clarify the distinction and show you how to determine which type of question is being asked.

What is a Closed Question?

A closed question is one that can be answered with a limited number of short responses. These responses are typically one or two words, often a simple "yes" or "no," or a short, specific answer from a pre-defined set of options. The goal of a closed question is to gather specific, factual information quickly and efficiently. Closed questions are often used in questionnaires, surveys, and interviews where you need concise answers to specific data points. They're particularly useful for quantitative research focusing on data analysis.

Examples of Closed Questions:

• What is your age? (Answer: A specific number)
• Are you a student? (Answer: Yes or No)
• What is your favorite color? (Answer: A specific color)
• What is your gender? (Answer: Male, Female, Other)
• Do you own a car? (Answer: Yes or No)
• On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you? (Answer: A number between 1 and 5)

Distinguishing Closed Questions from Open Questions:

Closed questions differ significantly from open questions. Open questions encourage detailed and expansive answers, allowing the respondent more freedom to express their thoughts and feelings. They often begin with words like "why," "how," "what," and "tell me about...". Open questions are valuable for qualitative research, aiming to gather rich, descriptive information.

Examples of Open Questions:

• What are your thoughts on the new policy?
• How did you feel about the experience?
• Tell me about your childhood.
• Why did you choose this career path?
• What are your goals for the future?

Identifying Closed Questions in a Multiple Choice Format:

Often, you'll encounter closed questions embedded within multiple-choice formats. These questions present a set of pre-defined answers, forcing the respondent to choose the most accurate or suitable option from the list provided. The key is that the answer is already defined within the question itself.

Example:

Which of the following is a fruit?

a) Carrot b) Banana c) Potato d) Broccoli

In this example, the correct answer (Banana) is already one of the provided options. The respondent doesn't need to elaborate; they simply select the appropriate option. This is a clear example of a closed question in a multiple-choice format.

Conclusion:

Understanding the difference between closed and open questions is fundamental for crafting effective communication strategies. Closed questions serve a distinct purpose, offering a quick and efficient method for gathering precise data. By mastering the art of asking both types of questions, you can gain valuable insights and build stronger, more informed communication channels. Remember to choose the question type that best aligns with your research goals and the information you seek to obtain.