Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a closed-ended question?

1. How does it feel when your husband is gone for weeks at a time?

2. What can you tell me about how your family has solved conflicts in the past year?

3. When was the last time you fought with your daughter?

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: When was the last time you fought with your daughter?

The identification of a closed-ended question typically refers to questions that can be answered with a limited set of responses, often a simple fact or a yes/no answer. In this case, the question, "When was the last time you fought with your daughter?" is an example of a closed-ended question because it seeks a specific answer related to time, which can be distinctly indicated as a date or a moment. This structure does not invite expansive discussion, but rather requires a concrete response regarding a particular instance, making it straightforward and direct. In contrast, the other questions provided are open-ended. They encourage more elaborate responses and allow the respondent to share thoughts and feelings in a narrative form. For example, the first question asks about feelings, inviting the respondent to elaborate on their emotions and experiences, while the second question seeks information on conflict resolution within a family but allows for various responses and insights.