Question type guide

Open-ended questions

Open-ended questions preserve the respondent’s own language and can reveal context fixed choices miss. They also increase response effort and require a clear coding or review plan.

When to use it

This question type is useful when your analysis needs explanations, examples and stories, unanticipated themes. Choose it because it matches the information required, not simply because it is familiar.

  • explanations
  • examples and stories
  • unanticipated themes

Design and analysis cautions

Pilot the wording and response controls on a phone. Decide how missing, skipped, other, and not-applicable answers will appear in exports before collection begins.

  • Ask one focused prompt
  • Limit unnecessary required text
  • Plan a consistent coding approach

Frequently asked questions

Can I customise this question type?

Yes. Surveyor templates and question structures are starting points. You can edit wording, answer options, required fields, logic, branding, and collection settings before publishing.

Can I collect responses on mobile devices?

Yes. Published Surveyor forms are designed for phones, tablets, and desktop browsers. Eligible plans also support offline queues for previously loaded surveys.

Open-ended questions: examples and guidance | Surveyor