JWI 505 Business Communications and Executive Presence Lect.docx
Open & Closed Questions
1.
2. A closed question looks for specific facts and
often only requires one word answer which
can be yes or no.
“Did you finish your homework?”
“What time did that happen?”
“Are you going to buy a drink?”
“Who won the football match?”
3. Closed question are good for finding out
specific information.
Can help make a decision quickly.
Can help gather more information.
4. Closed questions are not useful when dealing
with emotional situations.
Not effective when you want the response to
be expressive and communicate feelings.
Respondent may think their answers are
irrelevant
5. An open question allows the respondent to
develop their ideas without limiting
responses or controlling responses. The
questions often require more than one word
answers.
“What do you think would happen if…?”
“Sounds interesting. How does that work?”
“How do you feel about that?”
6. Sometimes you can help solve problems
through open ended questions.
Respondents can include more information
such as their feelings, attitudes and
understanding so true feelings can be
received.
Can obtain extra and detailed information.
7. Difficult to compare answers to questions.
Response rate to questions is lower because
it takes a longer time to complete questions
and questionnaires.