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Neutral
questions allow respondents to decide
upon answers without overt direction or pressure from
questioners. For example, in open, neutral questions, the interviewee determines the length, details, and nature of the answers. In closed, neutral questions such as bipolar questions, a person may choose between two equal choices: yes-no, approve-disapprove, agree-disagree. Leading questions suggest the answer expected or desired because the questioner leads the respondent toward a particular answer by making "it easier or more tempting for the respondent to give one answer than another". A person merely agrees with the interviewer. Leading questions may be intentional or unintentional, implicit or explicit, verbal and nonverbal. |
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The varying degrees of
leading and the distinction between neutral and leading questions
are illustrated in the following questions.
| Neutral Questions | Leading Questions |
| Do you like pizza? | I assume you like pizza? |
| Are you giving to the United Way? | You're giving to the United Way, aren't you? |
| How do you feel about "dorm food"? | Do you dislike "dorm food" like most students? |
| How did this lecture compare to last week's? | Didn't you like this lecture better than last week's |
| How do you feel about the new culture curriculum? | How do you feel about the ridiculous, politically correct culture curriculum? |
Note that all five leading questions make it easier for a person to reply in a particular way. The potential for Interviewer bias is obvious. The situation, tone of the interview, manner in which the question is asked, and relationship with the interviewer may influence the respondent's ability or willingness to ignore the direction provided.
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For instance, if
you were in a nonthreatening, informal, pleasant situation with a
friend or equal in an organization or social situation, you might
ignore or even object to a leading question. However if you were in
a threatening, formal situation with a superior, you might feel
obligated to answer as the interviewer appears to dictate. At other times, you might go along with the direction because you want to be cooperative, avoid upsetting a person, or not make a scene. If that's the answer a person wants, you give it, particularly when you do not care one way or the other. |
Loaded Questions
Loaded Questions are extreme leading questions. They provide strong direction, virtual dictation of the correct answer. Loaded questions may be identified with name-calling and emotionally-charged words, such as "Did you cheat on your girlfriend?"
A yes or no answer may get the person in trouble. Since loaded questions have potential for severe interview bias, avoid them unless you know what you doing! Introductory phrases such as "According to the law," "As we all know," and "As witnesses have testified" may lead respondents to give acceptable responses rather than their true feelings or beliefs.
You can turn a neutral question into a leading question by the nonverbal manner in which you ask it. For example, you might appear to demand a certain answer by leaning toward the respondent, looking the person directly in the eyes, or raising an eyebrow. You might place vocal emphasis on a key word, such as:
"Do you like that dress?"
"When did he show up for class?"
"Are you going to select Mary for the new position?"
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Regardless of
their potential for mischief, leading questions have important
uses. Recruiters may want to see how interviewees respond under
stress. Do not confuse neutral mirror and reflective probing questions with leading questions. Mirrors and reflectives may appear to direct respondents toward particular answers, but their purposes are clarification and verification, not leading or direction. |
Image Credits:Sharna, John and Keturah, Skirt!
