English is a delicate language. By this I mean that it depends on the interplay between two actors (for example, an investigator and subject). The investigator is seeking information. The subject has information, some of which he’ll give, and some of which he doesn’t want to give.

There are three types of questions, each having their own use depending on the investigator’s goal.

Essay – Example: “What happened?” The subject may ramble and may not give all the information in the same order that the investigator wishes, but this question will disclose or provide the most information.

Multiple Choice – Example: Was it a, b, or c? If the investigator truly knows and wants to narrow down the answer to a or b or c, this question can be very helpful. Example: Was the light yellow, or red or green? However, the drawback is that it may have been a flashing red light. The investigator, with his red or yellow or green question, would not
know that or give the subject the opportunity to reply that it was a flashing red light, or that the light was out of order.

True/False. Example: Did you see the red light? This is the most restrictive type of question. It forces the subject to answer yes or no or
either/or.  A blending of the three types of questions is the best way to get the most information, starting with essay, moving to multiple choice and finally to true/false.