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What is a
Question? Nearly every task that requires skills includes a set of tools for performing the task. Each tool is designed to perform a unique task effectively and efficiently. For interview parties, the tools are questions, a question being any statement or nonverbal act that invites an answer. Each is designed for a specific task or function. Knowing the types of questions available and their uses enables you to select the most appropriate question to gather information, check facts, assess the validity of claims, clarify that you have heard, and verify that the other party is comprehending what you are asking or saying. |
Virtually no interview
takes place without questions, and many interviews consist
entirely of questions and answers.
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This lesson
focuses on the tools of the trade for interviewers and
interviewees. It is natural to ask why anyone needs to learn
question types and their names. After all, isn't a
question merely a question? Yes, but in the same sense, a screwdriver is a screwdriver, a wrench is a wrench, and a saw is a saw. Like questions, these tools come in all shapes and sizes, have unique names and are designed to accomplish specific tasks efficiently and effectively. |
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Although the types and subtypes of questions may seem endless, each question has three essential characteristics:
- Open or closed
- Primary or secondary
- Neutral or leading
Open
Questions
Open questions are expansive,
often specifying only a topic, and allow the respondent
considerable freedom in determining the amount and kind of
information to provide.
Highly
Open Questions have virtually no restrictions, such
as:
"How do you feel about cloning?"
"What do you know about our Web site?"
"Tell me about your internships."
Moderately Open Questions have some restrictions but give respondents considerable latitude. The questions above might be narrowed, such as:
"How do you feel about the cloning of humans?"
"What do you know about our Web site on product development?"
"Tell me about your internship at United Way."
Public opinion pollsters often hand a statement, picture, or product offer to a person or ask a person to review a series of potential advertisements. Then they ask:
"Why do you find this advertisement most appealing?"
"What comes to mind when you look at this slogan?"
"How would
you react to this political ad?"
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Open
Questions Have Advantages Open questions encourage respondents to talk and determine the nature and amount of information to give. Lengthy answers reveal what respondents think is important and motivate them to volunteer important information. Open questions communicate interest and trust in the respondent's judgement, are usually easier to answer, and pose less threat. Longer answers are likely to reveal a respondent's level of knowledge, uncertainty, intensity of feelings, perceptions, and prejudices. |
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Open
Questions Have Disadvantages A single answer may consume a significant portion of interview time because the respondent determines the length and nature of each answer. On one hand, respondents may give unimportant or irrelevant information, and on the other may withhold important information they feel is irrelevant or too obvious, sensitive, or dangerous. Remember: Keep respondents on track and maintain control by tactfully intervening to move on. Lengthy, rambling answers are difficult to record and process. |
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