What does “avoid hidden assumptions” imply when crafting questions?

The notion of "avoid hidden assumptions" when crafting questions highlights the need for clarity and transparency in communication. When questions are straightforward and explicit, they minimize the risk of misinterpretation and ensure that all participants have a clear understanding of what is being asked. This clarity helps to eliminate ambiguity, allowing respondents to focus on providing relevant answers rather than deciphering the question's intent or meanings that are not clearly expressed.

Clear questions aid in gathering accurate and valid responses, which is essential in research and assessment contexts. If questions have hidden assumptions, they may inadvertently lead respondents to make guesses or draw conclusions based on unstated criteria, which can skew results and limit the effectiveness of the inquiry. Thus, crafting questions that are explicit and straightforward is fundamental for maintaining the integrity of data collection and analysis.