A loaded question is a question that contains a controversial or unjustified assumption (e.g., a presumption of guilt). It is designed in such a way that any answer provided will inherently confirm the assumption, often putting the respondent in a defensive or compromising position.

Characteristics of a Loaded Question:

1. Assumptive:
   • The question assumes something that has not been proven or accepted by all parties involved.
   • Example: “Have you stopped cheating on your exams?” This question assumes the person has cheated on exams in the past.
2. No Safe Answer:
   • Any direct answer to the question implies acceptance of the assumption.
   • Answering “yes” or “no” to “Have you stopped cheating?” implies that the person has cheated before.
3. Manipulative:
   • It is often used to trap or corner the respondent, making it difficult for them to respond without implicating themselves or agreeing to something they may not actually agree with.

Examples of Loaded Questions:

• “When did you stop mistreating your employees?”
  • This assumes that the person has mistreated their employees at some point.
• “Why are you lying to me?”
  • This assumes that the person is lying, regardless of whether they are or not.
• “Isn’t it true that you were at the scene of the crime?”
  • This assumes that the person was at the scene, potentially implicating them without proof.

How to Respond to Loaded Questions:

1. Challenge the Assumption:
   • Directly address the assumption within the question.
   • Example: “Your question presumes that I have mistreated my employees, which is not true.”
2. Reframe the Question:
   • Rephrase the question to remove the loaded assumption and then respond.
   • Example: “I have never mistreated my employees. Can we discuss the actual issue?”
3. Refuse to Answer:
   • Politely decline to answer the question as it stands.
   • Example: “I don’t accept the premise of your question, so I can’t answer it.”