The Open-Ended Question The open-ended question cannot be answered in one or two words. An answer to an open-ended question: Gives more information May reveal the character of the responder May lead to unsought additional information

Open-ended questions give the interviewee more freedom in responding to questions. This freedom in responding may result in longer answers that open new ideas for the interviewer.

Respond to the following questions: What is your favorite band? What is your favorite sport? What is your favorite food? What subject do you like best? Who did you vote for?

Now look at basically the same questions rephrased: Explain what it is about Pearl Jam (or whatever band) that makes it your favorite band. Exactly what aspects of soccer make the sport so attractive to you? What is it about lasagna that makes it superior to all other foods in your opinion? Why is drama your favorite subject and how did it become your favorite? Which campaign promises convinced you to vote for Obama?

What is the difference between the two sets of questions? What is your favorite band? Pearl Jam. (Two word answer) Let’s look at the same question rephrased.

Explain what it is about Pearl Jam (or whatever band) that makes it your favorite band. First, I like Eddie Vedder’s voice—the lead singer--because it has so much feeling. It seems as though he’s living the lyrics. And the band punctuates the lyrics and keeps a beat that draws the listener in—the listener experiences the lyrics. The lyrics relate to so many people’s lives, too. Almost every Pearl Jam song stirs my emotions and that’s essentially why it’s my favorite band.

The second question, the open-ended question, required a more in-depth answer.   During an interview, more in-depth answers result in more picturesque and descriptive quotations. More in-depth answers may reveal the interviewee’s character during the responses to the questions. Understanding character may allow the writer to give life to a story, making it more appealing to the reader.