Compare and contrast open-ended and fixed-alternative questions ...

[newyorker26]

Compare and contrast open-ended and fixed-alternative questions and provide an example of each.

Question 2

If you are not in the market for a new house, you will most likely __________ ads for new houses.
 a. hear
  b. see
  c. ignore
  d. pay attention to

[lucas dlamini]

Answer to Question 1

Open-ended response questions pose some problem or topic and ask respondents to answer in their own words. Examples include What names of local banks can you think of offhand? or How can our stores better server your needs? Fixed-alternative questions (sometimes called closed questions) give respondents specific limited-alternative responses and ask them to choose the one closest to their own viewpoints. For example:
Do you use Tide laundry detergent?
____ Yes
____ No

While open-ended response questions are most beneficial when the researcher is conducting exploratory research, their cost is substantially higher than that of administering fixed-alternative questions. Fixed-alternative questions require less interviewer skill, take less time, and are easier for the respondent to answer. However, unanticipated alternatives may emerge when respondents believe that closed answers do not adequately reflect their feelings.

Answer to Question 2

c