Which question is an example of a leading question?

Which question is an example of a leading question?

• A. Do you ever donate to the Salvation Army?
• B. For a lot of reasons, shouldn't your brand be Blue?
• C. What do you think about the new bridge construction?
• D. Can you explain why you chose that restaurant?

Answer: (B)

A leading question is designed to guide the respondent to a particular answer or to imply a desired conclusion. In the provided example, "For a lot of reasons, shouldn't your brand be Blue?" the structure of the question suggests that there are several compelling rationales for the respondent to agree that their brand should indeed be blue. The phrasing inherently nudges the participant towards the affirmative answer, which is the hallmark of a leading question. In contrast, the other questions are more neutral and open-ended. The question about donating to the Salvation Army simply asks for a yes or no response without any implication about what the answer should be. The inquiry regarding the new bridge construction invites personal opinions freely, while the question asking for an explanation of the restaurant choice does not lead the respondent in any specific direction. These types of questions allow for a range of responses without biasing the answer, standing in contrast to the guiding nature of the leading question identified.

A leading question is designed to guide the respondent to a particular answer or to imply a desired conclusion. In the provided example, "For a lot of reasons, shouldn't your brand be Blue?" the structure of the question suggests that there are several compelling rationales for the respondent to agree that their brand should indeed be blue. The phrasing inherently nudges the participant towards the affirmative answer, which is the hallmark of a leading question.

In contrast, the other questions are more neutral and open-ended. The question about donating to the Salvation Army simply asks for a yes or no response without any implication about what the answer should be. The inquiry regarding the new bridge construction invites personal opinions freely, while the question asking for an explanation of the restaurant choice does not lead the respondent in any specific direction. These types of questions allow for a range of responses without biasing the answer, standing in contrast to the guiding nature of the leading question identified.