In HTML form design, you can use different input types to control how data is entered and displayed. Which TYPE attribute value is used for an input field when you want the characters typed by the user to appear as asterisks or dots for password entry?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on basic HTML form controls used in web development. When collecting sensitive information such as user passwords, it is standard practice to hide the actual characters typed and show asterisks or dots instead. HTML provides a built in way to achieve this behavior using a specific value for the TYPE attribute on an input element. Understanding which attribute value is responsible for masked input is important for both front end developers and anyone learning to create simple web forms.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The question asks which input TYPE attribute displays characters as asterisks. The options include TEXT, PASSWORD, RADIO, and CHECKBOX. We assume that the context is standard HTML and that the input elements are used in a browser environment. We also assume that common behavior, such as showing dots for password fields, is in effect without custom scripting or styling overrides.

Concept / Approach:
In HTML, the input element supports various types. TYPE="text" creates a single line text field where characters are visible as typed. TYPE="password" creates a field where the characters are not shown directly; instead, the browser displays masking symbols like dots or asterisks, even though the real value is still sent to the server. TYPE="radio" and TYPE="checkbox" create selectable controls for choices and do not accept arbitrary text input. Since the question specifically asks about characters appearing as asterisks, the correct choice is TYPE="password".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that HTML input types control both user interface and data behavior for form fields.Step 2: Identify that password fields are those where typed characters are hidden from casual observers.Step 3: Remember that the standard way to create such a field is to use TYPE="password" in the input tag.Step 4: Eliminate other types like text, radio, and checkbox, which do not mask input characters as asterisks.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this behavior by writing a simple HTML form with two input elements, one with TYPE="text" and the other with TYPE="password". When you load the page in a browser and type into the fields, the text field will show the characters clearly, while the password field will show only masked symbols. Despite this visual difference, submitting the form will still send the actual password value to the server. This experiment confirms that TYPE="password" is responsible for displaying characters as asterisks or dots.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because TYPE="text" is used for plain text input where characters are visible and not masked. Option C is wrong because TYPE="radio" creates small circular buttons for selecting one option from a group, not for entering text. Option D is wrong because TYPE="checkbox" creates square boxes for toggling options on or off, again not for text entry. Only option B, TYPE="PASSWORD" for masked password style input, correctly answers the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Beginners may mistakenly use TYPE="text" for password fields, forgetting to mask sensitive data, which can expose passwords to onlookers. Another pitfall is assuming that using TYPE="password" alone provides complete security; in reality, it only hides the characters on screen and does not encrypt data during transmission. Proper security also requires HTTPS, secure server side handling, and storage practices. Nonetheless, TYPE="password" is the essential first step for user interface privacy when entering passwords.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is TYPE="PASSWORD" for masked password style input.