General Question

flo's avatar

What are some non-leading ways of asking a question regarding any controversial topic?

Asked by flo (13313points) July 31st, 2019

For example, if you ask “Why is (fill in the blank topic) controversial?” the reader or listner will believe the asker is on the pro side, as in he/she believes What is there to debate about? So, what are examples of a non-leading ways of asking about controversial or “controversial” topics?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

16 Answers

canidmajor's avatar

“How do you feel about XYZ subject?” is pretty neutral.

flo's avatar

But that probaby would have been used, so it will give you “duplicate question” and or that question was from too long ago, etc.

canidmajor's avatar

What? Unless it’s the same topic it won’t give you “duplicate question” warning. And so what if it doesn’t? Unless it’s been asked recently, no one cares. And if it’s been asked recently, then why ask again?

And BTW, once again, you are expanding or changing the parameters of your Q.
You asked for a neutral way, I gave you one.

seawulf575's avatar

“Is (fill the blank topic) a good thing or not and why?”

flo's avatar

@seawulf575 That’s one good way for sure.

chyna's avatar

In your quest to ask non leading questions, a lot of your questions are way too vague. Be to the point, don’t add or subtract from it after you ask it.

flo's avatar

By the way, probably no one OP will have all the possible answers. So, for example if someone asks “What is the definition of a “burger”?”
“A burger is a flat round mass of minced meat or vegetables, which is fried and often eaten in a bread roll.”
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/burger_1
Or “a particular variation of a hamburger with additional or substitute ingredients.” (the top no credit result on Google search)

canidmajor's avatar

Huh? What does that have to do with it?

Caravanfan's avatar

I actually like asking leading questions. I often get modded for them, but a leading question is more likely to generate responses and get people to care. For example, “How do you feel about vaccines” is far less likely to generate responses than “How are vaccine deniers any better than serial killers?”

flo's avatar

It’s seems controversial what the definition of a “burger” is.

flo's avatar

@Caravanfan Something to think about.

Inspired_2write's avatar

What do you think?
Whats your opinion?
How do you feel about…?
Can you expand on…..?

kritiper's avatar

Don’t tip your hand as to what side you favor. Ask about things in general. Don’t mention people’s sex, color, ethnicity, political parties, etc., if possible. Always come from the point of absolute neutrality, non-bias, and indifference.

LostInParadise's avatar

The question should not contain implied accusations. Instead of asking, “Is Donald Trump a pathological liar?”, ask “How truthful is Donald Trump compared to other recent presidents?” In view of @Caravanfan‘s answer, I would go with the first question.

flo's avatar

@Inspired_2write Yes but the thing is that makes it automatically a Social section question, and I prefer the General.

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther