What are the two types of questioning methods commonly used?

Open-ended and leading questions are two widely used questioning methods that serve different purposes during interactions.

Open-ended questions encourage the respondent to provide detailed answers and express their thoughts or feelings freely. This type of question typically begins with "how," "what," or "why," allowing for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the subject. For example, asking a witness, "What did you observe during the incident?" invites a broad range of responses and deeper insights.

Leading questions, on the other hand, are designed to prompt a specific answer or guide the respondent toward a particular conclusion. These questions often include certain assumptions that may influence how the respondent replies. An example would be, "You saw the suspect leaving the scene, didn’t you?" This approach can be useful in various contexts, such as confirming details or guiding a conversation in a specific direction.

Utilizing both questioning methods effectively can enhance communication, whether in interviews, investigations, or general conversation, by ensuring clarity and facilitating the gathering of relevant information.