What is a common characteristic of a closed question?

A closed question is designed to elicit specific information and typically limits the respondent's answer to a predefined set of options, often resulting in a "yes" or "no" response or a choice between alternatives. This characteristic makes it easier to quantify answers and obtain clear, concise information, which can be particularly beneficial in structured interviews or surveys where clarity and brevity are necessary. By allowing choices among provided options, closed questions facilitate straightforward answers that can streamline the communication process and assist in gathering focused data. This contrasts with open-ended questions, which invite more elaborate responses and discussions, seeking deeper insights or emotional contributions, but are not characteristic of closed-format questioning.