What defines a leading question?

A leading question is defined as a question that suggests its own answer, often influencing the respondent towards a particular response or point of view. This type of question is constructed in such a way that it implies a desired answer or indicates what the questioner expects the respondent to say. For example, asking "Don't you think that our product is the best on the market?" implies that the respondent is expected to agree rather than express an independent opinion.

This feature of leading questions is significant in various contexts, such as in legal settings or surveys, where the objective is to obtain unbiased responses. A carefully crafted leading question can frame the context of a conversation or sway perceptions, making it a powerful tool in discussions or debates, but it can also be manipulative if not used thoughtfully.

In contrast, other question types, like those that encourage open discussion or seek purely factual information, do not lead the respondent towards a particular answer and therefore do not fit the definition of leading questions.