Closed-ended questions, which offer respondents a predefined set of answers to choose from, are classified into several distinct types, each serving a specific purpose in research, surveys, and data collection.
Here's a breakdown of the different classifications:
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Dichotomous Questions: These present only two possible answer options, such as "Yes/No," "True/False," or "Agree/Disagree." They are simple to analyze but offer limited nuance.
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Multiple Choice Questions: This format provides a list of several potential answers, from which the respondent selects one or more options. They are versatile and can cover a range of topics.
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Rating Scale Questions: These questions ask respondents to rate something on a predetermined scale, often numerical or descriptive.
- Numerical Rating Scale Questions: Use numbers to represent different levels of agreement, satisfaction, or other metrics (e.g., "On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you?").
- Smiley Rating Questions: Employ faces or emojis to represent different levels of emotion or satisfaction.
- Star Rating Questions: Use stars to indicate a level of quality, satisfaction, or other metrics, often seen in customer reviews.
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Likert Scale Questions: These questions use a statement and ask respondents to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement on a scale, typically ranging from "Strongly Agree" to "Strongly Disagree." They're commonly used to measure attitudes and opinions.
In summary, closed-ended questions offer structured response options, making data analysis straightforward and efficient. The specific classification depends on the number of answer choices and the format used to present those choices.
