Restricted response questions are so called because although the form and content of the response is limited by the way the question is asked, they do give candidates a measure of self-expression. Restricted response questions differ from short answer questions as the correct answers are not all predetermined and, consequently, the assessors have to exercise their professional judgement when interpreting candidates' responses. Restricted response questions restrict the candidates’ responses in two ways:
by the way the question is phrased
through the scope or aspect of the subject area being assessed