What type of survey question is an operational definition for measuring income?

The correct choice is a survey question that directly asks about annual income because it provides a clear and specific operational definition for measuring income. Operational definitions are crucial in research as they allow researchers to quantify abstract concepts in measurable terms. In this case, by inquiring about annual income, respondents can give a precise figure that quantifies their financial status. This helps in collecting standardized data that can be easily analyzed and compared across different respondents.

The other choices do not serve as direct measures of income. For instance, a multiple-choice question about spending habits relates to how income is utilized rather than the income itself. An open-ended question about future earnings may capture expectations or aspirations but does not reflect current income levels. Lastly, a yes or no question regarding financial stability does not specify the amount of income and could lead to ambiguous interpretations of what constitutes financial stability. Therefore, asking directly about annual income provides the clearest and most reliable operational definition for the income measurement.