How are open-ended questions typically used in surveys?

Open-ended questions in surveys serve to gather qualitative insights and allow respondents to express their thoughts in their own words. These questions encourage deeper, more nuanced feedback compared to closed questions, which typically limit responses to predefined options. By incorporating open-ended questions alongside closed questions, researchers can obtain both quantitative data, through standardized responses, and richer qualitative data that can shed light on the respondents' motivations, feelings, and experiences.

In this context, the combination of both types of questions enhances the survey's effectiveness by enabling a fuller understanding of the subject matter. For instance, a survey might include a closed question asking to rate satisfaction on a scale and follow it with an open-ended question asking for reasons behind that rating. This strategy not only quantifies opinions but also provides the context necessary for interpreting the numbers.

This method contrasts with the notion of open-ended questions being used exclusively or never included in surveys, which limits the researcher's ability to gather comprehensive information. Additionally, structuring feedback mainly applies to closed questions, where responses are fixed and standardized, missing the exploratory breadth that open-ended questions bring. Hence, the correct choice underscores the versatility of survey design, emphasizing that open-ended questions are valuable tools that coexist with closed questions for a balanced approach to data collection.