When should you use open-ended questions?

Using open-ended questions is particularly beneficial when the goal is to allow the victim or witness to convey their thoughts and information in their own words. This approach encourages richer detail and provides a more comprehensive understanding of their perspective or experience. Open-ended questions stimulate conversation and can elicit more emotional and contextual responses, which can be crucial in investigative or therapeutic settings.

For instance, asking a witness to describe a situation rather than simply confirming a fact allows them to share their narrative, potentially revealing critical details that might not have been captured through more restrictive questioning. This technique empowers the individual to communicate freely, which can lead to valuable insights that close-ended questions may overlook.