Open-ended questions are designed to do what?

Open-ended questions are specifically crafted to encourage reflection and invite personal opinions from the respondent. This type of question allows individuals to express their thoughts and feelings in a more detailed manner, rather than constraining them to a simple yes or no answer. By using open-ended questions, interviewers can gain deeper insights into a person's beliefs, motivations, and emotions, which enhances the quality of information exchanged during the discussion.

In contrast, questions that require straightforward answers or that limit responses to a single word do not foster meaningful dialogue or exploration of the topic. Similarly, leading questions that direct interviewees to a specific conclusion can hinder the natural flow of conversation and the uncovering of genuine insights. Thus, the nature of open-ended questions makes them vital in contexts where understanding the complexities of individual experiences or opinions is important.