An open-ended question is one that puts the least restrictions over the answer to a select option-list. For example, an open-ended question to assess the thoughts would be: What do you think about most often? You can already notice, it is impossible to ask an absolute-open ended question. For the purpose of the Research Workshop, the College of Physicians and Surgeons states: Open-ended questions elicit detailed responses and provide no preselected options. These types of questions are the hallmark of qualitative research. Also, learn the advantages of open-ended questions.