Which type of question should be avoided to reduce bias in survey responses?

Leading questions should be avoided to reduce bias in survey responses because they suggest a particular answer or contain assumptions that can sway respondents toward a specific viewpoint. For instance, a leading question might frame an issue in a way that implies one option is more favorable or acceptable than another, thereby influencing the respondent's true feelings or opinions.

By contrast, open-ended questions allow respondents to answer in their own words, providing richer qualitative data without steering them in any particular direction. Neutral questions are designed to gather information without bias, and follow-up questions can help clarify or explore initial responses but do not inherently lead respondents in a specific direction. Thus, avoiding leading questions is key to eliciting honest and unbiased responses from survey participants.