Which is an example of a closed-ended question or statement?
A.
“Describe the type of pain you have.”
B.
“How did that make you feel?”
C.
“Did you take those drugs?”
D.
“What medications do you take at home?”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
C. “Did you take those drugs?”
Explanation
Closed-ended questions are designed to elicit specific, concise responses, often limiting the answer to a simple “yes” or “no,” or other predetermined choices. These questions are useful in obtaining clear, straightforward information and are often employed in settings where a definitive answer is required quickly or when quantifiable data is needed.
In the example provided:
C. “Did you take those drugs?”
This is a classic closed-ended question because it expects a binary response: either “yes” or “no.” The structure of this question confines the answer to a specific choice, which allows the person asking the question to quickly gauge whether the action in question (taking the drugs) occurred or not.
In contrast, the other options are open-ended questions or statements, which prompt more detailed responses:
A. “Describe the type of pain you have.”
This is an open-ended question as it encourages the respondent to provide a descriptive answer, potentially including various details about their pain experience. It requires more than a simple affirmation or denial, inviting a narrative response.
B. “How did that make you feel?”
This is also an open-ended question. It seeks to understand the respondent’s emotional or subjective experience in detail, prompting them to elaborate on their feelings rather than giving a brief or yes/no answer.
D. “What medications do you take at home?”
This question, while specific, is open-ended because it requests a list or description of medications rather than a simple yes/no answer. It aims to gather detailed information about the respondent’s medication regimen.
Closed-ended questions like option C are efficient in certain contexts, such as during assessments or when verifying specific details. They simplify data collection and analysis by narrowing the scope of possible answers.