Closed questions are defined as

Closed questions are defined as

• A. Questions with fixed answer choices
• B. Questions with no fixed answer
• C. Questions that must be answered verbally
• D. Questions that require numerical scales only

Answer: (A)

Closed questions use a fixed set of response options for the participant to choose from. This creates standardised data that can be easily coded and analysed statistically, making it straightforward to compare answers across people and conditions. Because the options are predetermined, the data tends to be reliable and quick to quantify, though it may limit the depth and nuance of responses. This is different from open-ended questions, where any answer is possible and responses are typically qualitative. The other options don’t fit because a question with no fixed answer describes an open-ended format, and requiring a verbal response or using numerical scales only are not defining features of closed questions—fixed response options is the essential trait that groups together all closed-format items.

Closed questions use a fixed set of response options for the participant to choose from. This creates standardised data that can be easily coded and analysed statistically, making it straightforward to compare answers across people and conditions. Because the options are predetermined, the data tends to be reliable and quick to quantify, though it may limit the depth and nuance of responses. This is different from open-ended questions, where any answer is possible and responses are typically qualitative. The other options don’t fit because a question with no fixed answer describes an open-ended format, and requiring a verbal response or using numerical scales only are not defining features of closed questions—fixed response options is the essential trait that groups together all closed-format items.