Which type of question format is best for collecting quantitative data?

Which type of question format is best for collecting quantitative data?

• A. Open-ended questions
• B. Multiple choice questions
• C. Rank order questions
• D. Text entry questions

Answer: (B)

Multiple choice questions are particularly effective for collecting quantitative data because they provide respondents with specific options from which to choose. This structured format allows for clear, quantifiable responses that can be easily analyzed using statistical methods. Since each choice corresponds to a predetermined answer, it streamlines the data collection process and makes it easier to compile and interpret results. In contrast, open-ended questions require respondents to provide free-form answers, which complicates analysis and can lead to subjective interpretations. Rank order questions allow respondents to prioritize items but do not yield as straightforward quantitative data. Text entry questions, while allowing for detailed responses, can also result in qualitative data that is more challenging to quantify and analyze systematically. Therefore, multiple choice questions stand out as the most straightforward approach when the goal is to gather clear and quantifiable data.

Multiple choice questions are particularly effective for collecting quantitative data because they provide respondents with specific options from which to choose. This structured format allows for clear, quantifiable responses that can be easily analyzed using statistical methods. Since each choice corresponds to a predetermined answer, it streamlines the data collection process and makes it easier to compile and interpret results.

In contrast, open-ended questions require respondents to provide free-form answers, which complicates analysis and can lead to subjective interpretations. Rank order questions allow respondents to prioritize items but do not yield as straightforward quantitative data. Text entry questions, while allowing for detailed responses, can also result in qualitative data that is more challenging to quantify and analyze systematically. Therefore, multiple choice questions stand out as the most straightforward approach when the goal is to gather clear and quantifiable data.