What is a defining characteristic of closed-ended questions?

Closed-ended questions are primarily designed to elicit specific, concise responses, often requiring a straightforward answer such as "yes" or "no." This characteristic makes them effective for gathering quick, clear information. They are commonly used in surveys, tests, or situations where specific data points are needed without the need for extended discussion or elaboration. The format of these questions allows for easier quantification and analysis of responses, as they can be easily categorized and compared.

In contrast, the other choices reflect characteristics of open-ended questions or conversational prompts, which encourage broader responses, personal narratives, or speculative discussions.