What type of question seeks a specific answer based on what is asked?

A closed-ended question is designed to elicit a specific answer, often requiring a simple response such as "yes," "no," or a particular piece of information. This type of question is useful for gathering clear, precise data and helps to avoid ambiguity. For example, when asking, "Did the fire department respond within five minutes?", the expectation is a definitive answer that provides a factual basis for assessment. This direct approach allows for easier analysis of responses, which can be critical in educational settings and assessments, such as those within fire and emergency services. In contrast, open-ended questions seek broader, more elaborative responses, reflective questions encourage deeper thinking, and inquisitive questions generally reflect a desire for more information without necessarily confining the answer to a specific format.