What type of questions can distort an interviewee's perception or memory?

Leading questions can significantly distort an interviewee's perception or memory. These questions are structured in such a way that they suggest a particular answer or guide the respondent toward a specific conclusion. By framing a question with assumptions or implications, leading questions can influence how the interviewee recalls events or information. For example, asking "How did you feel when you saw the suspect lurking around?" suggests that a suspect was indeed lurking, which can alter the respondent's memory to align with that assumption.

In contrast, the other types of questions play different roles in the context of interviews. Open-ended questions allow respondents to express their thoughts freely and provide detailed answers, which can enhance recall. Closed-ended questions limit responses and typically do not provide room for the interviewee to elaborate, thereby reducing the chances of memory distortion. Clarifying questions focus on ensuring the interviewer understands the information given, without altering the respondent's original statements.