Open-Ended Questions

  An open-ended question is an unstructured question in that suggests no possible answers.  The respondent answers the open-ended question in his or her own words. Such questions usually begin with a:

• How
• What
• When
• Where
• Why

 Examples

1. "What factors did you take into account when buying your vehicle? 
2. In your opinion, what is a reasonable price for this item? 

 
​  Open-Ended Questions will almost always provide qualitative instead of quantitative information. Open ended questions are asked during exploratory research and where statistical validity is not a prime objective but, innovative and creative thinking is important.

Reference: Business Dictionary, Open-Ended Question.

Challenge:

  Open ended questions are a great way to spark creative thoughts, establish a basis for communication and get to know other people.  In the comments section below type 3 examples of open ended questions.  Feel free to respond to others questions and get to know everyone!