closed questions
Binary answer prompts
Closed questions are questions that limit possible answers to a small set of options—typically yes/no, multiple choice, or a specific fact.
Did you finish the report? is closed; What did you think of the report? is open.
Surveys and interviews use closed questions when responses need to be quantifiable or comparable.
In conversation, too many closed questions can feel like an interrogation.
Opposite of no
- noOpposite of yes
- trueAccurate or loyal
- falseNot matching reality
- affirmativeExpressing agreement or consent
negative · either · or · dichotomous · dichotomy · polar · binary · accept
Format offering preset options
- checkboxToggleable selection indicator
- dropdownExpandable selection menu
- radio buttonSingle-choice input element
- rating scaleRanked measurement range
ranking · true-false · fill-in-the-blank · matching · categorical · multi-select · scaled · numbered
Imposing narrow boundaries
- narrowOf small width
- boundedConfined within limits
- confinedKept within bounds
- limitingPlacing restrictions upon
finite · predetermined · fixed · constrained · inflexible · leading · biased · reductive
Systematic data collection
- questionnaireFormal inquiry form
- pollGathering of opinions
- censusOfficial population count
- interviewFormal questioning session
assessment · evaluation · data collection · quantitative · structured · standardized · codable · measurable
yes
Opposite of no
affirmative · negative · either · or · dichotomous · dichotomy · polar · binary · accept · reject
multiple-choice
Format offering preset options
- checkboxToggleable selection indicator
- dropdownExpandable selection menu
- radio buttonSingle-choice input element
rating scale · ranking · true-false · fill-in-the-blank · matching · categorical · multi-select · scaled · numbered
restrictive
Imposing narrow boundaries
limiting · finite · predetermined · fixed · constrained · inflexible · leading · biased · reductive · oversimplified
survey
Systematic data collection
- questionnaireFormal inquiry form
- pollGathering of opinions
- censusOfficial population count
interview · assessment · evaluation · data collection · quantitative · structured · standardized · codable · measurable · statistical
correct
Free from error
maybe · unsure · definitely · absolutely · certainly · perhaps · undecided · neutral · neither · both
closed questionsopen-ended questions
Queries permitting free responses
essay questions · discussion questions · why questions · follow-up questions
closed questionsphilosophical questions
Inquiries about existence and meaning
closed, questions, close, question, closes, closing, closable, closure, closures