ABSTRACT
This chapter distinguishes between open and closed questions in questionnaire design and other data-gathering situations. A closed question is one where the possible responses are predetermined, typically the kind that asks the respondent to tick boxes and circle numbers. In contrast, an open question has a large number of possible answers. Because the response to an open question is unpredictable, a generous space should be provided for the respondent to write it in. Open questions have the advantages of capturing ideas not thought of by the researcher and of allowing respondents to express their views when they may have had no previous opportunity to do so. Items which offer only two alternatives are called dichotomous items. Scaled items had an even number of options, with no mid-point, while others had a mid-point. In fact, both semantic differential and Likert scales may have an odd or an even number of alternatives.
