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Block: Open answer questions

Updated this week

The Open Answer block allows you to collect freeform text responses from participants, giving them space to express their thoughts in their own words. This versatile block is perfect for gathering qualitative feedback, explanations, suggestions, or detailed opinions.


Writing open answer questions

When creating your question, aim for clarity while encouraging thoughtful responses. Open-ended questions that start with "how," "why," or "what" tend to elicit more detailed answers. For example, "What challenges did you face while using our mobile app?" works better than "Did you have any problems with our app?"

Adding Context

The "Additional info" field gives you space to provide helpful context or guidance. Use this area to:

  • Clarify the specific aspect you want feedback on

  • Suggest the level of detail you're looking for

  • Provide any necessary background information

Good context helps participants understand exactly what kind of response you're seeking, improving the quality and relevance of their answers.


Best practices

  • Be specific about what you want to learn. Vague questions like "What do you think?" often yield vague answers.

  • Consider the length and depth of response you need. For brief responses, you might explicitly ask for "1-2 sentences," while for deeper insights, you could request "Please explain in detail.

  • Place Open Answer blocks strategically in your study. They require more effort from participants, so consider placing them after simpler question types or spacing them throughout the study.

  • Use Open Answer blocks to follow up on quantitative questions. For example, after an Opinion Scale or Multiple Choice question, ask "Why did you give this rating?" to understand the reasoning behind the numbers.

  • Remember that participants might provide unexpected perspectives that can lead to valuable insights you hadn't considered.

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