Closed Questions
What are Closed Questions in User Research?
Closed questions are a type of survey or interview question that limits respondents to a predefined set of answer choices, such as yes/no, multiple choice, or rating scales. These questions are designed to gather specific, quantifiable data in user research.
Synonyms: Multiple choice questions, Fixed-response questions, Structured questions, Quantitative survey questions
Why Closed Questions are Important in User Research
Closed questions play a crucial role in user research by providing structured, easily quantifiable data. They allow researchers to gather specific information quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for large-scale studies or when comparing responses across different user groups. Closed questions also help reduce ambiguity in responses, making data analysis more straightforward and less time-consuming.
How to Use Closed Questions Effectively
To maximize the effectiveness of closed questions in user research:
- Keep questions clear and concise
- Provide mutually exclusive and exhaustive answer options
- Use appropriate scales for rating questions
- Balance closed questions with open-ended ones for a comprehensive understanding
- Pilot test your questions to ensure clarity and relevance
Examples of Closed Questions in User Research
- Yes/No: "Have you used our mobile app before?"
- Multiple Choice: "Which feature do you use most often? a) Search b) Favorites c) Settings d) Help"
- Rating Scale: "On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with our customer support?"
- Likert Scale: "Please indicate your level of agreement: Our website is easy to navigate. (Strongly Disagree / Disagree / Neutral / Agree / Strongly Agree)"
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the main difference between closed and open-ended questions? Closed questions have predefined answer choices, while open-ended questions allow respondents to answer in their own words.
- When should I use closed questions in user research? Use closed questions when you need quantifiable data, want to compare responses across groups, or need to gather information quickly from a large sample.
- Can closed questions introduce bias in user research? Yes, poorly designed closed questions can introduce bias. To minimize this, ensure your answer options are balanced and comprehensive.
- How many answer options should I provide for a closed question? The number of options depends on the question type, but generally, aim for 4-7 options to provide enough choices without overwhelming respondents.
