From the Guidelines
The primary disadvantage of using closed questions with dichotomous options in a study questionnaire is that they oversimplify issues, potentially missing important variations in participants' experiences or opinions. When respondents are restricted to choosing between only two options, they cannot express intermediate positions, degrees of agreement, or provide context for their answers. This limitation forces complex issues into oversimplified categories, potentially leading to inaccurate data 1. Additionally, dichotomous questions may introduce bias by forcing respondents to choose an option that doesn't fully represent their view.
Some of the key issues with closed questions with dichotomous options include:
- Limiting the depth and nuance of data collection
- Introducing bias by forcing respondents to choose an option that doesn't fully represent their view
- Preventing researchers from capturing the intensity of respondents' feelings or the reasoning behind their choices
- Yielding less statistical power and analytical flexibility compared to scales with multiple response options
According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, multiple-choice questions (MCQs) can also decrease patient satisfaction due to their inflexibility and the amount of work required to complete them 1. In contrast, using unstructured free text or two-way written communication can decrease staff workload and increase patient safety.
Overall, using closed questions with dichotomous options can lead to oversimplified and potentially inaccurate data, and researchers should consider using alternative formats, such as Likert scales or open-ended questions, to capture more nuanced information. This is supported by studies that highlight the importance of using open-ended questions to yield more accurate and detailed information from children 1.
From the Research
Disadvantages of Closed Questions with Dichotomous Options
- The primary disadvantage of using closed questions with dichotomous options in a study questionnaire is that they oversimplify issues 2.
- Closed-ended questions can bias the responses because they limit the participant's ability to provide a detailed or nuanced answer.
- This can lead to a loss of valuable information and insights that might be gathered through open-ended questions.
- In contrast to open-ended questions, which allow participants to provide detailed responses, closed questions with dichotomous options do not capture the full range of possible answers.
- The correct answer is b) Oversimplifies issues, as closed questions with dichotomous options can indeed oversimplify complex issues and limit the participant's ability to provide a detailed response.