Research shows that people ask many different types of questions. Knowing these types helps you understand what information people are looking for and write better prompts.
Questions by Purpose
Studies identify three main reasons people ask questions:
Informational questions – People want to learn something or find facts.
- “What’s the best project management software for construction companies?”
- “How much does it cost to replace a roof in Toronto?”
- “What are the requirements for a food truck permit in Vancouver?”
- “How does the Ontario Disability Support Program work?”
Navigational questions – People want to find a specific website or page.
- “Where is the Shopify pricing page?”
- “Where can I find Peloton’s warranty information?”
- “Where do I log in to My Service Canada Account?”
- “Where is the BC housing application portal?”
Transactional questions – People want to do something or complete a task.
- “How do I book a consultation with a mortgage broker in Calgary?”
- “Where can I buy commercial-grade espresso machines in Montreal?”
- “How do I apply for a building permit in Halifax?”
- “Where can I register my newborn baby in Ontario?”
Factual questions ask for basic facts or specific details.
- “Which CRM systems integrate with Shopify?”
- “What gyms in downtown Toronto have swimming pools?”
- “What are the property tax rates in Calgary?”
- “What is the income threshold for seniors’ benefits in BC?”
Conceptual questions ask for understanding of ideas or how things work.
- “Why do companies choose HubSpot over Marketo?”
- “How does meal kit delivery reduce food waste?”
- “Why do some cities have vacant home taxes?”
- “How does parental leave affect CPP contributions?”
Procedural questions ask for step-by-step instructions.
- “How do I migrate from Mailchimp to Klaviyo?”
- “What are the steps to return a Wayfair order?”
- “How do I dispute a traffic ticket in Ontario?”
- “What are the steps to change my address with the CRA?”
Questions by Thinking Level
Simple recall – Questions that just need facts from memory.
- “What is Slack’s maximum file size?”
- “What time does Costco Scarborough close on Sundays?”
- “When does property tax payment deadline fall in Edmonton?”
- “What is the legal drinking age in Manitoba?”
Understanding – Questions that need explanation.
- “What does ‘uptime guarantee’ mean for web hosting?”
- “What does ‘organic’ certification mean for food products?”
- “What does ‘assessed value’ mean for property taxes?”
- “What does ‘medically necessary’ mean for healthcare coverage?”
Comparison – Questions that compare options.
- “What’s the difference between Zoom and Microsoft Teams for webinars?”
- “What’s the difference between Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s?”
- “What’s the difference between a building permit and a development permit?”
- “What’s the difference between EI regular benefits and EI sickness benefits?”
Evaluation – Questions that ask for judgment or opinion.
- “Is Asana or Trello better for creative agencies?”
- “Is HelloFresh worth it for families with picky eaters?”
- “Is solar panel installation a good investment in Alberta?”
- “Is the Ontario Seniors Care at Home program right for my parent?”
Why This Matters for Gander
When Gander tests prompts, we look at all these question types. This helps you see:
- Which types of questions mention your organization
- Which types your competitors dominate
- Where you have gaps in your AI visibility
For example, you might show up well for simple factual questions but not for procedural “how-to” questions. This tells you where to improve your content.
Sources
Informational, Navigational, and Transactional questions:
- Jansen, B. J., Booth, D. L., & Spink, A. (2008). Determining the Informational, Navigational, and Transactional Intent of Web Queries. Information Processing and Management, 44, 1251–1266.
Additional educational resources on Bloom’s Taxonomy:
- Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching: https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/blooms-taxonomy/
- University of Central Florida Faculty Center: https://fctl.ucf.edu/teaching-resources/course-design/blooms-taxonomy/
