A dichotomous question is a type of survey question that requires respondents to choose one answer from two possible options. It is also called a binary question, a yes-or-no question, or a closed-ended one. Dichotomous questions are commonly used in market research surveys and polls as they provide quick and easy answers for researchers to analyze.
Dichotomous questions are typically used when the issue under consideration can be thought of in two possible values. For example, a researcher may ask, “Do you prefer Brand A or Brand B?” The respondent must then choose one of the two options provided. Other examples include questions such as “Are you male or female?” or “Do you approve or disapprove of this policy?”
The advantage of using dichotomous questions is that they are easy to understand and answer, which makes them ideal for surveys with large sample sizes. They also allow researchers to gather data on topics with clear-cut answers quickly. Additionally, dichotomous questions can help reduce bias by providing respondents with only two predetermined choices rather than allowing them to provide their own opinion on an issue.
However, some drawbacks are associated with using dichotomous questions in market research surveys. For instance, they do not allow respondents to provide nuanced answers and can limit the amount of information gathered about an issue. Furthermore, because these types of questions offer only two options, it can be difficult for researchers to accurately gauge public opinion on complex topics such as politics or social issues.