3.5 Questioning

Overview

Effective questioning is a vital skill in vocational rehabilitation, as it helps gather important information, clarify the client's thoughts and feelings, and identify potential solutions. Questions can also promote deeper understanding and facilitate meaningful conversations. However, poorly phrased or excessive questioning can hinder communication.

Open vs. Closed Questions

• Closed Questions:
  Require a simple "yes" or "no" answer and are useful for obtaining specific confirmations or commitments.

  • Examples:

    • Does your back ache?

    • Have you applied for social assistance?

• Open Questions:
  Encourage detailed responses, providing richer information about the client’s situation.

  • Examples:

    • Where and when do you feel discomfort?

    • How are you dealing with this situation?

Functions of Questions

1. Gathering Information:

   • Examples:

     • Can you tell me more about this?

     • How did it go?

     • What happened first?

     • Are there any other symptoms?

2. Clarifying Thoughts or Feelings:

   • Examples:

     • What would happen if…?

     • How would you feel about…?

     • What would be the benefits or consequences of this?

3. Identifying Potential Solutions:

   • Examples:

     • Is there anything else you could try?

     • What has worked for you before?

     • What would you like more information on?

Common Pitfalls in Questioning

1. Bombardment:

   • Asking a rapid series of questions without allowing time for responses.

2. Multiple Questions:

   • Combining several questions into one, leading to confusion.

3. Rhetorical Questions:

   • Asking questions that limit the client’s input or perspective (e.g., "You couldn’t disagree with that, right?").

4. Blaming Questions:

   • Questions that assign blame or fault (e.g., "Why weren’t you wearing safety gloves?").

5. Culturally Inappropriate Questions:

   • Failing to consider cultural norms or sensitivities when phrasing questions.

Best Practices for Effective Questioning

1. Use open questions to encourage exploration and deeper discussion.

2. Avoid leading or judgmental questions.

3. Allow time for the client to process and respond.

4. Tailor questions to the individual’s circumstances and cultural background.

5. Clarify ambiguous responses with follow-up questions.

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

1. Fill in the Blank:

A ______ question encourages detailed responses, while a ______ question typically requires a "yes" or "no" answer.

2. True or False:

Asking multiple questions at once can help clients provide more detailed information.

3. Multiple Choice:

Which of the following is an example of a closed question?
a) How are you managing your current situation?
b) What would be the benefits of making this change?
c) Does your back ache?
d) Can you tell me more about your work environment?

4. Short Answer:

What is one potential drawback of asking rhetorical questions in vocational rehabilitation?

5. Matching:

Match the type of problematic question with its description:
a) Bombardment
b) Blaming Question
c) Multiple Questions
d) Culturally Inappropriate

1. Asking several questions at once, causing confusion.

2. Failing to consider cultural sensitivities in phrasing.

3. Rapidly asking many questions without time for responses.

4. Assigning fault or responsibility inappropriately.

6. True or False:

Open questions are typically better suited for gathering comprehensive information about a client’s situation.

7. Short Answer:

Provide an example of a question that could help a client identify potential solutions to a challenge.

Answer Key

1. Open; closed

2. False

3. c) Does your back ache?

4. Rhetorical questions limit the client’s ability to provide their own input or perspective.

5. a) Bombardment → 3

   • b) Blaming Question → 4

   • c) Multiple Questions → 1

   • d) Culturally Inappropriate → 2

6. True

7. Example: Is there anything else you could try to address this issue?