Forced-Choice Method

The forced-choice method is the use of two or more specific response options on a survey or questionnaire, for example “yes” or “no” or “green,” “blue,” or “red.” Options such as “not sure,” “no opinion,” or “not applicable” are not included; respondents must commit to an actual answer.

This format yields more useable data and more responses that can be analyzed. The forced-choice method may also refer to the use of only two response options in studies of sensation and perception. For example, in an experimental task assessing motion detection, researchers might present two images (labeled A and B) side-by-side on a video screen and ask the participant to quickly select which image contains a moving part.