Difference between a open and a closed question in business studies

Answer 1

In the context of business studies, the difference between an open and a closed question lies in the type of response they elicit from the person being asked the question.

1. Open question: An open question allows for a free-form response and encourages the individual to provide a detailed answer. These questions typically start with words such as "what," "how," or "why." Open questions are often used to gather qualitative data, explore opinions, attitudes, or experiences, and promote a deeper understanding of a particular topic. For example:

- "What factors do you think contributed to the success of this advertising campaign?"
- "How would you approach resolving a conflict between team members in the workplace?"
- "Why do you think consumers prefer one brand over another?"

2. Closed question: A closed question is designed to elicit a specific, concise, and often one-word or short answer. These questions often start with "do," "is," "are," "did," or "have." Closed questions are commonly used to gather quantitative data, verify information, or influence a specific response. For example:

- "Do you agree with the proposed marketing strategy?"
- "Is the project on track to meet the deadline?"
- "Have you previously worked in a customer service role?"

In business studies, both open and closed questions play a crucial role in collecting information, conducting research, and facilitating discussions. While open questions encourage critical thinking and provide more nuanced responses, closed questions are useful for gathering specific data and obtaining more direct answers to particular queries.