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Types of Questions

Different types of questions trigger different types of responses. Before you dive into questioning, you should understand the strengths and weaknesses of closed-ended, open-ended, and theoretical questions.

Closed-Ended Questions

Closed-ended questions—which often start with is, does, who, what, where, or when—seek a limited response. They can be answered with a yes, a no, or a simple fact.

  • Strength: Produce precise answers
  • Weakness: Do not facilitate interpretation or deeper thinking

Example: Is Hungary part of the European Union? When did Hungary join the European Union?

 

Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions—which often begin with how or why—allow for wide-ranging responses and trigger ideas and discussion.

  • Strength: Encourage critical and creative thinking and foster new ideas and connections
  • Weakness: Produce complex answers that can be difficult to analyze

Example: How should I prepare for finals week? Why is so much emphasis placed on testing?

 

Theoretical Questions

Theoretical questions—which often begin with will, would, should, could, or might—seek hypotheses based on broad knowledge. They can be answered with educated guesses rather than definite information.

  • Strength: Encourage critical and creative thinking; cultivate new understandings
  • Weakness: Produce inconclusive answers that are difficult to assess

Example: Where might mass communication be headed next? How will media habits change in the future?

 

Your Turn Brainstorm a list of closed-ended, open-ended, and theoretical questions about a subject that interests you or a school project you are working on.

 
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