Which type of question allows people to respond on their own terms in describing their thoughts and feelings?

Open-ended questions are designed to encourage respondents to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words. This format allows for a more in-depth understanding of the respondent's perspective, as it invites them to elaborate rather than limiting their responses to predefined options.

For instance, when asking an open-ended question such as "What are your thoughts on the current training program?" individuals can share specific experiences, opinions, and insights that reveal their genuine feelings and attitudes. This type of questioning is particularly valuable in qualitative research, interviews, or discussions where understanding the nuances of a person’s viewpoint is critical.

In contrast, other question types like closed-ended, multiple-choice, or probing questions restrict responses. Closed-ended questions typically require a simple "yes" or "no" answer or a selection from given options, which does not capture the richness of individual thoughts. Multiple-choice questions similarly limit the respondent to the available choices, preventing them from articulating their unique perspectives. Probing questions often follow up on previous responses, but they are still guided and don’t allow for free form expression like open-ended questions do.