Questions regarding the subject's background and casual conversation are called _________.

• A. Threatening questions
• B. Neutral questions
• C. Non-threatening questions
• D. Direct questions

Answer: (C)

Non-threatening questions are used to start an interview by putting the subject at ease and building rapport. When the questions focus on the person’s background and casual topics, they invite sharing in a non-confrontational way, without implying guilt or pressure. This helps establish trust, gather baseline information about who they are and how they typically respond, and reduces defensiveness so the subject is more open to later, more probing questions.

Threatening questions aim to pressure or intimidate, which increases defensiveness. Direct questions are blunt and can feel accusatory, even if the topic is harmless. Neutral questions are broad and non-judgmental, but the specific category described by “questions regarding the subject’s background and casual conversation” is best captured by non-threatening questions because of the tone and purpose of building rapport.