What type of data do closed-ended questions primarily elicit in questionnaires?

Closed-ended questions are designed to elicit specific, measurable responses that can easily be quantified. Respondents are typically given a limited set of response options, such as “yes” or “no,” or a range of options such as a scale from 1 to 5. This format leads to data that can be counted or statistically analyzed, making it quantitative in nature.

Quantitative data is characterized by its ability to be represented numerically, enabling researchers to perform various statistical calculations and analyses. This data type is essential when seeking to establish patterns, test hypotheses, and represent findings in a format that can be easily communicated and interpreted. In contrast, qualitative data involves descriptive information that cannot be reduced to numbers, such as open-ended responses about opinions or experiences. Therefore, closed-ended questions are specifically suited for generating quantitative data, making this choice the most appropriate one.