Why use open ended questions

Open-ended questions, which allow respondents to provide their own responses rather than choosing from a predetermined set of options, can be a useful tool in political polling for a number of reasons.

Open-ended questions allow respondents to express their thoughts and opinions in their own words, rather than being limited to a set of predetermined options. This can provide a more in-depth and nuanced understanding of the respondents' views and opinions on a particular issue, rather than just a simple yes or no answer.

Open-ended questions can be particularly useful in situations where respondents may not be familiar with the terminology or language used in a poll. For example, if a poll is asking about a specific policy or issue that may not be well-known to all respondents, an open-ended question may allow them to provide a more detailed explanation of their views or opinions.

Open-ended questions can also be useful in identifying new or emerging issues that may not have been addressed in a poll. If a poll includes open-ended questions, respondents may bring up issues or concerns that the pollster may not have anticipated, providing valuable insights into the views and priorities of the population being polled.

Open-ended questions can also be useful in building trust and rapport with respondents. By allowing respondents to express their views in their own words, pollsters can create a sense of trust and mutual understanding that may not be possible with more structured, closed-ended questions.

Open-ended questions can be an effective tool in political polling, as they allow respondents to express their thoughts and opinions in their own words, provide a more in-depth understanding of respondents' views and opinions, allow for the identification of new or emerging issues, and build trust and rapport with respondents.