Which of the following is an example of a closed question?

Which of the following is an example of a closed question?

• A. "What would you like to talk about?"
• B. "Can you tell me how you feel?"
• C. "When you move your foot, does it hurt?"
• D. "How did your week go?"

Answer: (C)

A closed question is one that typically prompts a short, specific response, often limited to a "yes" or "no," or a brief factual answer. The example provided, "When you move your foot, does it hurt?" fits this definition perfectly, as it expects a straightforward answer regarding whether or not there is pain in the foot movement. This kind of questioning is useful when the goal is to obtain specific information or clarify a point quickly, but it does not encourage elaboration or exploration of feelings or thoughts. The other examples are open-ended questions, which invite more detailed responses and promote deeper conversation. They typically begin with words like "what," "how," or "when," allowing the respondent to share more information and express their feelings or opinions in a broader context. This difference is essential in therapeutic communication, where fostering an environment for sharing and exploration is often a key goal.

A closed question is one that typically prompts a short, specific response, often limited to a "yes" or "no," or a brief factual answer. The example provided, "When you move your foot, does it hurt?" fits this definition perfectly, as it expects a straightforward answer regarding whether or not there is pain in the foot movement. This kind of questioning is useful when the goal is to obtain specific information or clarify a point quickly, but it does not encourage elaboration or exploration of feelings or thoughts.

The other examples are open-ended questions, which invite more detailed responses and promote deeper conversation. They typically begin with words like "what," "how," or "when," allowing the respondent to share more information and express their feelings or opinions in a broader context. This difference is essential in therapeutic communication, where fostering an environment for sharing and exploration is often a key goal.