Which among the following is NOT a characteristic of closed-ended questions in…
2023
Which among the following is NOT a characteristic of closed-ended questions in survey research?
Answer: A. They allow unusual responses that the survey researcher may not have contemplated. — ConceptClosed-ended questions restrict respondents to predefined response categories. This standardization makes answers easier to complete and code and…
- A.
They allow unusual responses that the survey researcher may not have contemplated.
- B.
They are easy for interviewers and/or respondents to complete.
- C.
They reduce the possibility of variability in the recording of answers.
- D.
There is loss of spontaneity in respondents’ answers.
Attempted by 1 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
Closed-ended questions restrict respondents to predefined response categories. This standardization makes answers easier to complete and code and reduces variation in recording, but it also limits spontaneity and unanticipated responses.
Application
The statement about allowing unusual responses that the researcher had not contemplated describes an open-ended format, because respondents must be free to supply answers outside a fixed list.
Contrast
Ease of completion follows from selecting among predefined categories instead of composing a response.
Reduced recording variability follows from coding every response within the same category set.
Loss of spontaneity follows because respondents cannot freely express answers outside the listed categories.
Result
Therefore, allowing unusual, unanticipated responses is not a characteristic of closed-ended questions.