An open-ended question is a question that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no response. These questions encourage discussion and critical thinking, as they require the respondent to provide more detailed and nuanced answers. Open-ended questions often begin with words such as “why,” “how,” “what,” “describe,” or “explain.” For example, instead of asking “Do you like pizza?”, an open-ended question might be “What are your favorite pizza toppings and why?”
Open-ended questions are important because they allow for a deeper understanding of a person’s thoughts and feelings. They can be used to gather information, solve problems, or facilitate learning. Open-ended questions can also be used to build rapport and trust between people.
