---
url: "https://questionstar.com/principles-of-survey-research/chapter-3/slide-081.html"
title: "Questioning Techniques and Questioning Tactics"
type: "lehrbuch-slide"
chapter: 3
chapterTitle: "Questionnaire"
slide: 81
---

# Questioning Techniques and Questioning Tactics

*Two Contrasting Pairs*

Form Closed vs. Open Questions

- **Closed:** choice from predefined answer options. **+** easy to analyze, no cognitive stress **−** automatic, unconsidered answers
- **Open:** answer options not predefined. **+** unlimited possibilities, taxes the memory **−** complex coding, refusal possible

Analysis closed → easy to evaluate · open → rich, but labor-intensive

Approach Direct vs. Indirect Questions

- **Direct:** the question targets the matter of interest directly.
- **Indirect:** the matter is inferred through an indirect formulation — sparing sensitive or hard-to-articulate topics.

Examples direct: "Do you drink alcohol every day?" indirect: "Which beverages do you prefer with meals?"

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*Slide 81 of 274 · Chapter 3: Questionnaire · Principles of Survey Research · Dr. Paul Marx*