Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions help promote what is called “change talk”, which is a conversation that helps the person move towards making a healthier decision. Open-ended questions also help minimize leading questions, demonstrate your respect and interest in what they have to say, and support “ah-ha” moments. Open-ended questions are unable to be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” and require a more thoughtful response.

• Closed-ended questions often start with phrases like:
  • “Have you…?”
  • “Do you…?”
  • “Are you…?”
  • “Will you…?”

• Open-ended questions often start with phrases like:
  • “How…?”
  • “When…?”
  • “Tell me about..?”

You can also use questions beginning with “Why…?” but use with caution as “why” questions may come off as judgmental and put people in a defensive position.

Though we try to avoid closed-ended questions, they can have some use. Closed-ended questions can be used to gather basic information you might need but should be used sparingly while using MI as they often don’t help a person explore their beliefs and move towards change.

Let’s look at some examples of close-ended versus open-ended questions you might hear when talking to someone about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Closed-ended questions:
  • “Are you ever going to get your vaccine?”
  • “Have you talking to your doctor about getting the vaccine?”
  • “Do you understand why you should get the vaccine?”

• Open-ended questions:
  • “How do you feel about getting the vaccine?”
  • “Tell me about your hesitations in getting the vaccine.”
  • “What information do you feel you need in order to make the decision?”

As you can see, open-ended questions people to elaborate on their thoughts, give more detail and provide you avenues for follow-up questions.

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