What characterizes an open-ended question in surveys?

An open-ended question is characterized by its ability to allow respondents the freedom to provide detailed and personal responses in their own words. This type of question does not restrict participants to predetermined options, encouraging them to express their thoughts, feelings, or experiences more fully. Open-ended questions are valuable in qualitative research because they facilitate richer data collection, capturing the complexities of respondents’ viewpoints and allowing for insights that might not emerge from closed-ended questions.

Fixed options or limiting answers, as seen in other types of survey questions, can constrain the depth and breadth of responses. Similarly, questions that only allow for a binary answer, such as "yes" or "no," fail to offer the nuance that open-ended questions provide. Limiting respondent engagement would also undermine the purpose of an open-ended question, which is to encourage exploration and dialogue rather than confinement. Thus, the ability for participants to articulate their thoughts without restrictions is what truly defines open-ended questions in surveys.