What is the role of open-ended questions in active listening?

The role of open-ended questions in active listening is primarily to deepen understanding of the speaker's perspective. These types of questions invite elaboration and encourage the speaker to express their thoughts and feelings in more detail. By promoting a more expansive dialogue, open-ended questions facilitate a richer exchange of ideas and emotions, allowing the listener to gain insights into the speaker's viewpoint. This approach fosters a more empathetic and supportive interaction, which is essential for effective communication in law enforcement settings where understanding different perspectives can be critical in conflict resolution and building trust.

In contrast, options suggesting brief responses, asserting control over the conversation, or limiting the scope of discussion impede the goal of active listening. Brief responses can shut down dialogue, and asserting control or limiting discussion can create barriers between the speaker and listener, undermining the foundational principles of active listening, which emphasize openness and engagement.