Which type of question guides the respondent to a specific answer?

A leading question is designed to guide the respondent towards a particular answer or response, often by implying or suggesting what the answer should be. This type of question can influence the response by framing the context in a way that nudges the respondent to agree with a specific viewpoint or conclusion. For example, a question like "Don't you think that the new policy will improve productivity?" suggests that the answer should be affirmative, potentially swaying the respondent's opinion.

In contrast, open-ended questions invite broader, more expansive responses without restricting the respondent's reply, allowing for more nuanced perspectives. Closed-ended questions tend to yield yes/no or multiple-choice answers, while clarifying questions seek to enhance understanding or resolve ambiguity in a previous answer without leading the respondent towards a specific outcome. Each type of question serves distinct purposes in communication, but the defining feature of a leading question is its ability to steer the conversation toward a predetermined conclusion.