How do open-ended questions differ from multiple-choice questions?

Open-ended questions differ from multiple-choice questions primarily because they require deeper understanding and critical thinking. This type of question encourages respondents to elaborate on their thoughts, opinions, or reasoning, allowing for a nuanced and detailed response. Unlike multiple-choice questions, which provide specific options for the respondent to choose from, open-ended questions invite a broader range of answers that can demonstrate the individual's knowledge, creativity, and reasoning skills.

By asking for explanations or reflections, open-ended questions engage critical thinking and the ability to articulate complex ideas, as responders must synthesize information and present it in their own words. This aspect is particularly valuable in educational settings where comprehension and analytical skills are crucial. Multiple-choice questions, while useful for certain types of assessments, are more limited in the depth of insight they can provide compared to the richer responses possible with open-ended formats.