Which interviewing technique is demonstrated by the question about gang involvement to a 14-year-old?

Which interviewing technique is demonstrated by the question about gang involvement to a 14-year-old?

• A. Open-ended question
• B. Leading question
• C. Reflective listening
• D. Closed-ended question

Answer: (B)

The question is testing your ability to spot how questioning shapes a interviewee’s response. A leading question is one that nudges the respondent toward a particular answer by implying a belief or expectation. When asking a 14-year-old about gang involvement in a way that presumes involvement or hints at a desired response, the interviewer is steering the teen to confirm something rather than letting them describe their own situation freely. That presumption and push for a specific answer is the hallmark of a leading question. In contrast, an open-ended question invites a broad, descriptive response without steering toward a preset conclusion, such as asking the teen to share what’s been happening with friends or in their activities. Reflective listening isn’t about asking questions at all; it involves restating or clarifying what the teen has said to show understanding. A closed-ended question would typically require a short yes/no answer and doesn’t inherently push toward a particular conclusion, though it provides limited information. Keeping questions neutral and non-leading is especially important when working with adolescents, as it helps get accurate information and fosters trust.

The question is testing your ability to spot how questioning shapes a interviewee’s response. A leading question is one that nudges the respondent toward a particular answer by implying a belief or expectation. When asking a 14-year-old about gang involvement in a way that presumes involvement or hints at a desired response, the interviewer is steering the teen to confirm something rather than letting them describe their own situation freely. That presumption and push for a specific answer is the hallmark of a leading question.

In contrast, an open-ended question invites a broad, descriptive response without steering toward a preset conclusion, such as asking the teen to share what’s been happening with friends or in their activities. Reflective listening isn’t about asking questions at all; it involves restating or clarifying what the teen has said to show understanding. A closed-ended question would typically require a short yes/no answer and doesn’t inherently push toward a particular conclusion, though it provides limited information.

Keeping questions neutral and non-leading is especially important when working with adolescents, as it helps get accurate information and fosters trust.