Which questioning technique can lead to biased conclusions due to its phrasing?

Which questioning technique can lead to biased conclusions due to its phrasing?

• A. Leading Question
• B. Rhetorical Question
• C. Clarifying Question
• D. Open-ended Question

Answer: (A)

A leading question is designed to prompt a respondent to answer in a particular way, often because of how it is phrased. This technique can bias the response by suggesting a desirable answer or influencing the thought process of the person being questioned. For example, if a survey asks, "Don't you think that the new policy is beneficial?" the phrasing implies that the respondent is expected to agree, potentially skewing the results. This type of questioning may shape the respondent's opinion rather than allow them to express their genuine viewpoint. In contrast, a rhetorical question is used to make a point rather than to solicit information, a clarifying question seeks to ensure understanding without biasing the answer, and an open-ended question encourages elaboration without leading the respondent to a specific conclusion.

A leading question is designed to prompt a respondent to answer in a particular way, often because of how it is phrased. This technique can bias the response by suggesting a desirable answer or influencing the thought process of the person being questioned. For example, if a survey asks, "Don't you think that the new policy is beneficial?" the phrasing implies that the respondent is expected to agree, potentially skewing the results. This type of questioning may shape the respondent's opinion rather than allow them to express their genuine viewpoint.

In contrast, a rhetorical question is used to make a point rather than to solicit information, a clarifying question seeks to ensure understanding without biasing the answer, and an open-ended question encourages elaboration without leading the respondent to a specific conclusion.