What distinguishes open-ended questions from closed questions?

Open-ended questions are distinguished by their ability to elicit detailed and expansive responses from a victim or witness, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words. This type of questioning is particularly valuable in law enforcement and investigative scenarios because it encourages individuals to share their perspectives without being constrained by predefined answers.

Using open-ended questions can lead to richer, more nuanced information that may not be captured through more restrictive questioning techniques. This approach also helps build rapport with the respondent, as it shows that their input is valued and that the conversation is open to exploration.

In contrast, other types of questions, such as closed questions, are limited in scope. They might restrict responses to simple affirmations or denials or demand specific answers, which can inhibit the flow of information and may not capture the complexities of a person's experience. Techniques that require fixed answers are not suitable for gathering comprehensive data when the goal is to understand a narrative or personal viewpoint.