What is the primary purpose of using pointed questions during an interview?

Using pointed questions during an interview serves the primary function of eliciting a reaction from the suspect. This approach allows the interviewer to gain insights into the suspect's thought processes, emotions, and potentially deceptive behaviors. Pointed questions are typically direct and challenging, compelling the interviewee to provide clear answers, which can reveal inconsistencies in their story or trigger noticeable changes in their demeanor.

In interrogation settings, such reactions can provide valuable information or indicate whether the suspect is being truthful or evasive. Effective use of pointed questions can help the interviewer to uncover more details about the situation or to test the suspect’s story against other evidence. Therefore, the strategy of using direct questioning is instrumental in achieving clarity in the investigation process and in detecting possible deception.