Final answer:
The question 'What are your thoughts about the wearing of masks?' is an open-ended query that invites varied and subjective responses, revealing individual beliefs and political views on a controversial public health measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "What are your thoughts about the wearing of masks?" is an example of a C) Open-ended question. Unlike closed-ended questions which typically seek a specific answer such as 'yes' or 'no', an open-ended question prompts the respondent to share their thoughts, feelings, or opinions. This allows for a more in-depth and personal response that can reveal individual beliefs, political views, and personal values.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mask-wearing became a controversial topic intertwined with public health guidelines and individual rights. Some individuals complied with mask mandates as a communal responsibility, while others saw it as an infringement on their personal freedom. The responses to such open-ended questions about mask-wearing can, therefore, be highly varied and subjective, allowing for a range of beliefs from scientific adherence to personal liberty advocacy to be expressed.
This kind of open-ended question is valuable in research studies as it encourages respondents to provide more complex answers than a simple yes or no, contributing to a fuller understanding of public opinion on controversial matters like the wearing of masks during a pandemic.