A leading question is a type of inquiry that suggests a particular answer or contains information that prompts a specific response. These questions often guide the respondent toward a desired conclusion, making them less neutral than open-ended questions. For example, asking, "Don't you think that climate change is a serious issue?" implies that the answer should align with the questioner's viewpoint.
In various contexts, such as surveys, interviews, or legal proceedings, leading questions can influence the accuracy of responses. They can create bias, affecting the reliability of the information gathered. Therefore, it's important to recognize and minimize their use to ensure fair and objective communication.