West Coast EMT Block One Exam

Which of the following types of questions allow for the most detailed response?

1. A. Closed-ended questions

2. B. Open-ended questions

3. C. Multiple questions asked at once

4. D. Yes or no questions

The correct answer is: B. Open-ended questions

Open-ended questions are designed to elicit detailed responses from the person being questioned. They encourage individuals to express themselves fully, providing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in depth. This type of question invites elaboration, allowing the respondent to explore the topic more fully rather than simply providing a brief or factual answer. In contrast, closed-ended questions typically allow for limited responses, often restricted to a single word or a choice from a predetermined list. Yes or no questions offer even less flexibility, as they require a binary response, providing minimal insight into the respondent's perspective. Similarly, asking multiple questions at once can lead to confusion for the respondent, resulting in less comprehensive answers, as they may only address part of the inquiry without the opportunity to expand on their thoughts thoroughly. Thus, open-ended questions stand out as the best choice for gaining detailed and nuanced information.