Final answer:
The answer is 'c)' because it highlights a limitation, not a benefit, of closed questions in surveys. Closed questions restrict the collection of spontaneous, in-depth responses that would otherwise provide a richer dataset.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which option is not an advantage of using closed questions in a survey. The correct answer is 'c) They prevent respondents from giving spontaneous, unexpected answers'. This is not an advantage but rather a limitation of closed questions since they do not allow for in-depth responses or collection of qualitative data. Instead, options 'a', 'b', and 'd' describe benefits such as reducing variability in recording answers, easier processing and analysis of results, and a faster response time for survey completion.
Surveys often combine both quantitative and qualitative data; closed questions help in obtaining the former by providing structured, easily comparable responses. However, they limit the rich, narrative data that open-ended questions might provide, which can lead to insights about respondents' deep beliefs and opinions. Issues like question wording and interviewer bias can also affect responses, and these must be carefully managed to ensure quality data.
Answer: c) They prevent respondents from giving spontaneous, unexpected answers