Open questioning is described as which of the following?

Open questioning is described as which of the following?

• A. Requires a yes or no answer
• B. Pushes clients toward a specific outcome
• C. Invites broad discussion and is less threatening
• D. Is the same as a leading question

Answer: (C)

Open questioning centers on inviting broad discussion and reducing threat, which helps clients articulate their thoughts and feelings more fully. When you ask open questions, you’re prompting the client to explore details, meanings, and perspectives rather than giving you a simple yes or no. This approach supports a collaborative, client-centered stance and often yields richer information about experiences, concerns, and goals. That’s why the correct option is that open questioning invites broad discussion and is less threatening. It contrasts with closed questions, which require a limited yes/no or short fragment response, and with leading questions, which steer the client toward a particular answer or outcome. For example, “What brings you here today?” invites a full, descriptive response, while “You’re feeling overwhelmed, aren’t you?” narrows and guides the client toward a specific conclusion.

Open questioning centers on inviting broad discussion and reducing threat, which helps clients articulate their thoughts and feelings more fully. When you ask open questions, you’re prompting the client to explore details, meanings, and perspectives rather than giving you a simple yes or no. This approach supports a collaborative, client-centered stance and often yields richer information about experiences, concerns, and goals.

That’s why the correct option is that open questioning invites broad discussion and is less threatening. It contrasts with closed questions, which require a limited yes/no or short fragment response, and with leading questions, which steer the client toward a particular answer or outcome. For example, “What brings you here today?” invites a full, descriptive response, while “You’re feeling overwhelmed, aren’t you?” narrows and guides the client toward a specific conclusion.