Closed-end questions are question types that ask respondents to choose from a separate set of predefined answers such as "yes / no" or a set of multiple-choice questions. In a typical scenario, closed questions are used to collect quantitative data from respondents.
There are several versions of closed questions, such as those that only allow "yes" / "no" or "correct" / "incorrect" answers. These are dichotomous questions. Alternatively, multiple-choice questions are also closed by definition as the answer options are limited, and respondents must select from a list of possibilities.
A closed question (choice) is the most popular type, next to a text question, used in forms, surveys, quizzes, and tests. A closed question has the most additional options; they are available in the menu on the right:
- Multiple answers - this option allows you to select more than one answer. Additionally, you can set the minimum and maximum number of selected answers.
- Honest answer - "Other" - allows the respondent to add their text answer.
- Inline answers - this option causes the answers will be displayed next to each other.
- Random answer order - Rotates the order of answers each time the question is displayed.
Open and closed question
The difference between open-ended questions and closed-ended questions is the data they collect. Closed questions collect data that can be used to draw general conclusions based on statistical analysis.
Open-ended questions ask respondents to describe the topic. Then it would help if you focused on looking for trends and patterns in the collected responses.
Closed-ended questions examples
There are several ways to sort closed questions. These examples contain various questions illustrating how the different types of closed questions can be formatted.
Multiple-choice questions
Multiple-choice questions can be designed in several ways. They often involve scales, which help assign a numerical value to each possible choice. Here are examples of each type of multiple-choice question:
Checklist:
At this point, the respondents can choose the specificity that applies from the list of options. The researcher can then determine how many participants marked each option.
Likert scale:
The most common use of the Likert scale in surveys is to measure attitudes towards specific problems or opinions on a specific topic. The respondent must determine to what extent the respondent agrees with a given statement.
Grading scale:
At this point, the respondents evaluate their feelings on a scale of 1-5. Reviews usually use a rating scale.
Dichotomous questions
Dichotomous questions offer two possibilities. They may contain yes or no answers to true or false statements. Respondents can quickly answer a dichotomous question, but they may feel limited by their options and want to explain their choice more precisely.
Closed questionnaire
Closed questions are easier for the respondents. Limited response options mean that participants do not reflect on their answers. Closed-end questions are easier to understand as they are usually phrased more simply.
