How are leading questions defined in the context of research?

Leading questions are defined as those that suggest a particular answer or direction, potentially biasing the respondent's responses. This occurs because the phrasing of the question may imply a certain viewpoint or opinion, which can influence how participants answer. For example, asking "How much do you agree that the new policy is beneficial?" implies that the policy is indeed beneficial, leading participants toward a particular response.

In research, it’s crucial to minimize the use of leading questions to ensure that the data collected accurately reflects the participants’ true opinions or behaviors, rather than shaped by the researcher’s suggestions. This concern about impartiality is fundamental in conducting valid and reliable research, as it helps to avoid skewing results based on how questions are framed.

The other options do not accurately define leading questions in this context. Complex questions do not necessarily lead to bias; open-ended questions are designed to invite detailed responses without direction; and questions requiring extensive explanation do not inherently lead the respondent to a specific answer.