Keyword: Push Polls

Tactic: Ask Questions that Suggest the "Correct Answer" Email Print

Q: Why ask an unbiased question, when you can ask a loaded or leading question and get the answer you want?

A: A non-loaded, non-leading question simply carries more weight with the respondent. It makes them feel as though they're thinking for themselves in an unbiased context. Thus, they are more likely to connect with that answer, defend it and even convince others of its validity. They've come to the conclusion themselves, using their own style of logic. It's their answer, not yours.

Of course the material you present prior to posing the 'unbiased' question will presume the answer that you are searching for.

Technique 1: Ask Questions that subtly suggest what the "Correct" answer is. You guessed it. That's a leading question.

Example 1:

"Do you want them determining what's right for you? For your children?"

Whoever "them" is, is inconsequential. No one wants other people 'determining what's right for them' or 'for their children'. Thus the answer to this question is 'No!'

But there's more to the question than that. It presupposes some frames that you might like to instill into those being questioned. It says unequivocally that "they" are attempting to make decisions for the respondent. In fact, that may or may not be true. Regardless, it presents the frame that someone else is unfairly calling the shots, making the decisions and holding control over those being questioned. No one likes that.

Example 2:

"I believe in total freedom of thought. Do you?"

Wait... There's more! (948 words in story)