What type of questions in interviews makes it hard for the respondent to say "yes" or "no"?

Open questions are those that allow respondents to elaborate on their answers and express their thoughts in greater detail. By design, open questions require more than a simple "yes" or "no" response, encouraging the interviewee to share information and insights that may not be uncovered through closed questions, which often limit responses to binary answers. This type of questioning is particularly useful in investigations, as it enables the interviewer to gather comprehensive information, explore the respondent's reasoning, and gain a deeper understanding of their perspective or experience.

Using open questions fosters a conversational atmosphere, making it easier for the respondent to provide more context and engage in dialogue, which can uncover critical information relevant to the investigation. In contrast, monologue questions would typically involve the interviewer speaking at length without soliciting much input, and complex questions may overwhelm the respondent or confuse them, potentially leading to unclear or less informative responses. Thus, open questions stand out as a highly effective tool in investigative interviewing.