ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-RES6B-0003 · ATLAS 251

Loaded question

A question whose presuppositions or answer options lead the respondent into a disadvantageous commitment.

Explanation

A question whose presuppositions or answer options lead the respondent into a disadvantageous commitment. Shows that questions do not merely request information but pre-structure the space of possible answers.

Example

Have you finally stopped inventing sources?

Counterexample

A plain factual statement without the named movement of thought.

Distinction

A loaded question sets a trap; a leading question primarily steers toward a preferred answer.

Effect on thought and perception

Shows that questions do not merely request information but pre-structure the space of possible answers.

Resonance

Shows that questions do not merely request information but pre-structure the space of possible answers.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Loaded question“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-RES6B-0003. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-RES6B-0003

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-RES6B-0003

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