What is the goal of closed questions in a survey?

Closed questions in a survey are designed primarily to allow for easy analysis of responses. These questions typically offer a limited set of predefined answers, such as multiple-choice options, yes/no answers, or ratings on a scale. This structure permits straightforward quantification of responses, helping researchers quickly aggregate data and identify patterns or trends.

Because the responses are standardized, it simplifies the process of statistical analysis and makes it easier to generate reports. Researchers can efficiently quantify the data, compare responses across different groups, and make informed decisions based on numerical data rather than subjective interpretation.

In contrast, the other options focus on gathering qualitative data, providing in-depth insights, or fostering open discussions. These aspects are more characteristic of open-ended questions, which invite elaborate answers and subjective viewpoints but complicate data handling due to their varied nature.