Types of questions
There are different types of question you can use in a questionnaire. These include:
- An open question is one that does not limit possible answers, eg yes or no. It is usually based on descriptions, opinions and feelings that cannot be captured by simply ticking a box. Open questions tend to involve longer answers.
- A question that only has one sort of answer, eg yes/no, true/false or a number, such as ‘How many times do you eat fast food in an average month?’
- multiple response/checklist questions
Open questions
Open questions tend to be used when researchers are seeking qualitative information. Qualitative information tries to explain why and how people behave in the way they do. It provides in-depth information about human behaviour.
An example of an open question might be as follows.
What do you think are the main causes of obesity in the UK?
The person completing the questionnaire would add a response in a box provided, or let the interviewer fill it in on their behalf.
However, open questions which result in qualitative information can be turned into closed questions.
The researcher may be seeking quantitative information. Quantitative information can be measured and written down in numbers. This data is then analysed using mathematically-based methods.
The question might be the same, but specific options would be added to guide the respondent’s answers, eg
What do you think are the main causes of obesity in the UK? Tick those that apply.
Often a category called 'other' is added as the researcher may not have thought of all the possible responses respondents may give.
Closed questions
In closed questions, respondents have to choose a specific response, even if the response is ‘other’ or ‘don’t know’.
Is lack of physical exercise the main cause of obesity in the UK?
Respondents could answer yes, no, don't know or expand on their answers within the 'other' category.
Multiple response/checklist questions
Sometimes researchers do not want to restrict the number of responses a respondent can give. They may want them to select as many of the responses that apply as possible. These questions are known as multiple response questions or checklist questions.
Question
If you are investigating school uniforms and you want to find out schoolchildren’s opinions about having to wear a school uniform, what type of question would work best?
Open questions because they will allow pupils to write their opinions and these questions do not restrict what they want to say.
Question
If you are investigating whether to organise a school trip to a museum, and you want to find out if pupils will attend or not, what type of question would work best?
A closed question, where the responses are limited to, eg yes or no.
