Which of the following is a characteristic of an open question in psychology?

• A. It limits the range of possible answers to yes or no.
• B. It typically results in quantitative data only.
• C. It allows respondents to answer in their own words without being restricted to predefined options.
• D. It requires respondents to choose from a set of fixed responses.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an open question in psychology is designed to allow respondents to express their thoughts, feelings, or experiences freely, without being confined to specific answer choices.
2. Recognize that open questions typically generate qualitative data, which is descriptive and rich in detail, rather than quantitative data, which is numerical.
3. Identify that open questions do not limit responses to simple 'yes' or 'no' answers, unlike closed questions which restrict the range of possible answers.
4. Note that open questions do not require respondents to select from fixed response options, but instead encourage elaboration and personal expression.
5. Conclude that the key characteristic of an open question is that it allows respondents to answer in their own words without being restricted to predefined options.