What is the purpose of forced choice questions?

The purpose of forced choice questions is to extract a definitive answer from a limited range of options presented to respondents. This format requires individuals to select one answer from a predefined set, thereby eliminating ambiguity and providing clear, quantifiable data. This type of questioning is particularly effective in situations where specific, decisive responses are necessary, such as in surveys or assessments within correctional settings where clarity and directness are crucial for making informed decisions. By limiting the responses, these questions can help focus on particular outcomes or preferences, making it easier for evaluators to analyze the results accurately.

The other options do not align with the primary function of forced choice questions. For instance, gathering detailed narrative responses requires open-ended questions, while encouraging elaboration is more suited to qualitative approaches. Similarly, while assessing emotional responses often involves more nuanced and varied indicators, forced choice questions tend to simplify complex feelings into straightforward selections.