What kind of questioning is typically more likely to elicit information from suspects?

Hypothetical questions are particularly effective in eliciting information from suspects because they encourage the individual to think creatively and speculate about situations rather than simply providing yes or no answers. This type of questioning can help the interviewer gauge the suspect’s thought process, beliefs, and potential involvement in a crime without cornering them into a defensive stance. By presenting a scenario and asking how the suspect might respond, it often leads to a more detailed discussion. This method allows the interviewer to explore the suspect's perceptions and reactions, which can be insightful in an investigation.

The other types of questions often lead to less informative responses. For example, leading questions can suggest a desired answer, potentially prompting the suspect to conform their response rather than providing genuine insights. Yes/no and closed questions restrict the dialogue, often failing to allow for elaboration or deeper exploration of the context and motivations behind the suspect’s answers. Therefore, hypothetical questions create more opportunities for dialogue and the discovery of valuable information in an investigative setting.