What is a characteristic of a leading question?

A leading question is characterized by its tendency to suggest or imply a specific answer that the questioner expects or desires. This type of question often contains wording that hints at the "correct" response, thus guiding the respondent toward that conclusion. For example, instead of asking, "Do you agree that our team deserves the award?" a leading question would be, "Wouldn't you agree that our team absolutely deserves the award?" Here, the phrasing indicates an expectation of agreement.

This characteristic is important in various contexts, such as surveys, interviews, and debates, where neutral and unbiased questioning is essential for obtaining truthful and reliable responses. By understanding what makes a question leading, individuals can better evaluate the integrity of the information being solicited and recognize any bias the question may carry.