Non-threatening background questions are used for what purposes?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Irrelevant

Answer: (A)

Non-threatening background questions are used to set a cooperative tone and gather baseline information. By starting with easy, non-sensitive topics, the interviewer builds rapport, lowers defensiveness, and helps the subject become comfortable. This initial phase also provides baseline data—how the person typically talks, what details they emphasize, and how consistent their background information is with what’s later claimed. Those foundations make the later, more direct questions more reliable.

So, the statement is true because these questions are intentionally designed to establish trust and collect background facts, not to trap or pressure the subject. The other options imply no purpose, uncertainty, or irrelevance, which doesn’t fit how these questions function in an interview.