Notes on: 6 Question Types

Close-ended questions receive very short answers. (ex.) Did you go to convocation today? Receiving such answers as ‘yes’ and ‘no’. If you rephrase the question it can be an open-ended question and might. What are your thoughts on convocation today? Then there may be more expounding on their thoughts.

Open-ended questions usually carry us through the interview best. Close-ended questions would be good to use if asking a serious question such as in court or forcing someone into a ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answer.

The third type is a hypothetical question. You set up a scenario regarding what ‘might’ happen. But it can be better to ask things like what will happen as opposed to what might happen. People who are running for office should be asked hypothetical questions to determine if they are a good candidate. We want to know how people will act in certain situations, especially in important scenarios. Sports can be a good area to ask hypothetical questions to pose situations that will likely happen.

The fourth type is the ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’ question. To have hard-hitting questions it is good to use this form of questioning to see where someone stands.

The fifth type is a ‘probing’ question. It is a follow up for something that has already been said. Probing questions can be a two-part question. The second question is a follow up that dives deeper into the persons answer to the first question.

The sixth type is the ‘personal’ question. It may be a question that brings up bad memories or an account of something horrific. To talk to a grieving family, or someone who is hurting, can be difficult but may be necessary. It is important to build a trusting relationship with the person you are interviewing. Explain why you want to interview you them. Build from easier questions to more difficult questions. We must be kind to other people.