Marketing Research and Insight Glossary

Definitions, common uses and explanations of 1,500+ key market research terms and phrases.

What are Unstructured Questions?

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Unstructured questions Definition

A question that has no prelisted answers which requires the respondent to answer is his or her own words. Also known as a subjective question and open-ended question.

Unstructured questions in market research refer to open-ended questions that allow respondents to provide free-form, narrative responses. These questions do not restrict participants to predefined options and encourage them to express their thoughts in their own words.

Who relies on unstructured questions in market research?

Market researchers, analysts and organizations of various sizes and industries rely on unstructured questions. They use these questions to gather in-depth insights, opinions and sentiments from respondents, enabling a deeper understanding of consumer preferences, behaviors and trends.

Why should I care about unstructured questions in market research?

Incorporating unstructured questions into your market research efforts can provide richer and more nuanced insights compared to structured questions. By allowing respondents to express themselves freely, you can uncover hidden motivations, discover emerging trends and gain a competitive edge by understanding the “why” behind consumer decisions.

Why are unstructured questions important to market research?

  • Unstructured questions add a layer of depth and context to market research. They capture qualitative data that quantitative methods might miss, offering a holistic view of consumer opinions.
  • This information can guide product development, marketing strategies and customer-centric initiatives.
  • Skillful analysis of unstructured responses can lead to actionable insights that drive business growth and innovation.