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Why Do People Ask Questions They Already Know The Answer To?

by Anonymous

Why do people ask questions they already know the answer to? I am doing a research project on this topic for my introductory psychology class. I have some ideas myself, but am looking for other ideas, preferably from people with a psychology background.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Comments for Why Do People Ask Questions They Already Know The Answer To?

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Thiings can change
by: Anonymous

Like the witch in 'Snow White,' for confirmation and reassurance, although that's not a great example. A better one would be that for many decades the two top selling recording artists of all time have been 1.The Beatles and 2. Elvis Presley. I still google 'best selling artists of all time occasionally, and one day I was very surprised to see that Garth Brooks had passed Elvis. So, you never know.

Also, it can be done sarcastically: "You left the front door open. Are you trying to heat up the entire outdoors?" "Could you turn your music up a little louder? I still have some hearing in my left ear...."

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by: Sophie

Asking a question when you already know the answer might seem counterintuitive or even annoying to some people, but it is actually a common behavior that can serve various purposes.

One reason people ask questions they already know the answer to is to test the knowledge or honesty of the person they are asking. For example, a teacher may ask a student a question they already know the answer to, to see if the student has been paying attention or to assess their understanding of the material. Similarly, a lawyer may ask a question they already know the answer to, to test the credibility of a witness.

Another common reason is to confirm the questioners knowledge and understanding of the topic at hand. By asking a question they already know the answer to, they can receive confirmation that they are correct and feel more confident in their knowledge.

Another reason why people may ask questions they already know the answer to is to test the knowledge or honesty of the person they are asking. This can be particularly useful in situations where trust is important, such as in business or personal relationships.

In some cases, people may ask questions they already know the answer to as a way to engage in conversation or to prompt others to share their own perspectives and experiences. By asking a question, they may hope to spark a deeper discussion or to learn something new.

It's also possible that people may ask questions they already know the answer to simply out of habit or as a way to keep the conversation flowing. They may not be consciously aware that they already know the answer, but asking the question helps them stay engaged in the conversation.

So, while on the surface, it may seem illogical to ask a question you already know the answer to, there are many valid reasons why people do so. By understanding these motivations, we can better navigate conversations and build stronger relationships with those around us.

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Liar test
by: Anonymous

To test whether the other party is a liar.

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To seem relatable and vulnerable
by: Anonymous

Sometimes people ask questions they know the answer to to try and relate to their peers and have something in common to discuss. It also makes them seem vulnerable for opening up to someone else’s opinion. Even if the person is secure in their intellect, they desire to be liked and since everyone hates a person that seems to know everything, they let others join their intellectual journey by asking questions they think other people might find interesting. It happens when there is a difference in interests among social circles.

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Lacking self-belief
by: Anonymous

I ask questions online for things I already know the answer to because I'm looking for someone else to explain it to me rather than believing wholeheartedly that my own explanation is actually correct. It has everything to do with my lack of self-belief.

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Questions we know the answer to before asking.
by: Anonymous

I have an acquaintance who asks questions that he already knows the answer to in order to feel safe. They are usually simple, non controversial questions, that will never create any dialogue.
I think he is very insecure and wants desperately to be accepted.

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Why I Ask Again
by: Anonymous

Personally, I ask ask the same question again because:

1. I am auditory learner and it helps to hear it again.

2. I want to make sure everyone, including myself is on the same page.

3. I like to confirm that what I heard was indeed correct.

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Assume positive intent
by: Anonymous

The reason doesn't have to be a negative one.

Questions:

- lead to more meaningful conversations

- help you learn more

- create more options/opportunities

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Superiority
by: Lawrence Oberholtzer

We sometimes ask questions to show off our own knowledge and make ourselves feel superior.

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Fear
by: Lawrence Oberholtzer

We also ask questions we know the answer to because we are afraid that our own answer may be right and we are hoping that we are wrong.

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Manipulation
by: Lawrence Oberholtzer

We also ask questions as a form of manipulation to lead a conversation hopefully in the direction we want.

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Why I personally ask questions I already know the answer to
by: Anonymous

I think there are multiple reasons someone might ask a question they already know the answer to, but whenever I've done so, it has always been because I have genuine interest in other peoples opinion, perceptions or the way the choose to explain it.

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They’re testing you out
by: Anonymous

Someone might ask you something personal to find out if you are aware if it. For example, I already know that you have an appointment scheduled for July 1st. I may ask you "when is your next appointment?" so If you answer with the correct date, I know that you remembered the date and are will likely to keep that appointment.
Or, if I know that you are knowledgeable about something, I might ask you a trick question, that I already know the answer to in order to find out just how knowledge you really are.
There’s other possibilities, but usually the person asking you the question is testing your memory, knowledge, commitment, personal opinions etc.

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We Don`t Wish To Accept The Truth Of Our Own Answer
by: Anonymous

A few reasons, some already mentioned. My input is our own self answer can be painful to accept, and may require a very difficult action on our part (leaving a relationship for example). One might ask others, hoping for a different response that can get us what we might want to hear (to stay). Deep down we know full-well it will not best serve us but sometimes go with the `stay` to avoid facing hardships that leaving can entail. Even if others say `leave` some will keep asking several until they get the one that says `stay`.

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Waiting to say something
by: Carrie

I’m not a paychologist, nor am I in the field in any form, so I could be completely wrong. But it might be possible they ask questions they know the answer too, because they have something they want to say. It’s calculated and passive aggressive at the same time. Not every time is this the reason, but sometimes this may be the reason. They ask the question knowing what you will say, because it sets the stage for them to say whatever it is they want to say. They are waiting to pounce!

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real reason..
by: Anonymous

people who are insecure about their intellect ask questions they know the answer to. they gauge the other person's knowledge in comparison to theirs.

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Responsibility
by: Anonymous

I am a Substance Abuse Counselor with 3 classes left to get my Bachelor's of Psychology degree. Here is one possible answer: People tend to ask questions they already know the answer to because they typically want you to take the responsibility for the choice they know they should make. I hope this helps!

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The art of starting a conversation
by: Anonymous

If it is not rhetorical, many intellectuals ask questions they already know the answer to in order to ease into a conversation or elicit confidence or comradere with the individual questioned. It is used as an art in conversation to open up Or continue dialog with someone less open.

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I know why I ask people questions I already know the answer to!
by: Kimbo

I blatantly and purposely ask individuals questions with already knowing the answer to the question on purpose! It's for a purpose and purpose only, to see if they will simply tell me the truth or lie. To see if they will lie boldly but in all reality is very cowardly and carry no integrity or character. I watch what they say, how they say it, which words they use and how they choose to use them together and what words they didn't use or chose to leave out or not use. I watch their body language, behaviorisms and facial expressions as I ask them a question. I already know the answer to just to see if they'll get their panties in a knot. And when I say panties in a knot, I mean frustrated, irritated or agitated. And if they do then bingo they're a liar. I also ask questions to answers that I already know just for shits and giggles to see an idiot lie and get frustrated and pissed off. I hate liars and watching a liar come undone is just funny as hell. Generally sociopaths and criminals in my opinion are the easiest to read bc their all the same. Just a different day and different name, but their all the same at the core. Human behaviors never change, they just repeat themselves and have been doing that since Adam and Eve. There is only so much a person can do and everything has already been done or thought of by someone else. There's nothing new to the game of life. So if you know an answer but want to catch someone lying or being dishonest in any form, ask them a question you know the answer to.

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To acknowledge their belief system
by: Abhilasha

I think, the reason behind this is to acknowledge what they think is right people often ask such questions they already the answer. They feel confident by knowing they are not the only one who think like this....others feel/believe the same.

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