An open question is a question that is likely to receive a long answer – although any question can receive a long answer, open questions deliberately seek longer answers, and are the opposite of closed questions. These types of questions ask the respondent to think and reflect, to give opinions and feelings, and they hand control of the conversation to the respondent. Also referred to as an open-ended question.
References:
ChangingMinds.com, “Open and Closed Questions.” Online: http://changingminds.org/techniques/questioning/open_closed_questions.htm (Retrieved on August 7, 2014)
Walters, Beverley, Blythe C. Shepard and Priya S. Mani, “Developing Effective Client Relationships.” In Blythe C. Shepard and Priya S. Mani (editors). Career Development Practice in Canada: Perspectives, Principles and Professionalism. Toronto: Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC), 2014, p.168.
