What type of response does an open-ended question aim to elicit?

An open-ended question is designed to encourage detailed elaboration from the respondent. It allows individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and insights in a more comprehensive manner rather than limiting them to a simple, concise answer. By inviting a longer and more thoughtful response, open-ended questions foster deeper conversations and provide richer qualitative data, which can be particularly valuable in fields like counseling, education, and market research. This type of question aims to stimulate discussion and unveil the complexity of the respondent’s perspective, encouraging them to share more than just a yes or no answer or a straightforward fact.