How do leading questions differ from open-ended questions?

Leading questions differ from open-ended questions primarily in that they suggest a particular answer. Leading questions typically guide the respondent towards a specific response by embedding assumptions or implying what the interviewer expects to hear. For example, asking "You saw the suspect at the scene, didn't you?" implies the expected answer is "yes," thereby limiting the respondent's ability to provide a more nuanced or complete answer.

On the other hand, open-ended questions encourage a more expansive response and allow the respondent to share their thoughts and experiences in their own words without being directed towards a specific answer. By avoiding suggestions or assumptions, open-ended questions can reveal more detailed information and provide insight into the person's perspective, which is crucial during forensic interviews.

This distinction is crucial in forensic interviewing because the aim is often to gather comprehensive and accurate information rather than to confirm an assumption or bias.