# 36. Loaded questions ## 36.1. Definition In statistical manipulation, a loaded question is used to manipulate the terms of reference or question, to generate a response or result that fits the manipulator's requirements. Let us consider the question "Have you stopped beating your wife?" This query only allows for a "yes" or "no" answer, either of which entraps the respondent into an admission of either currently beating his wife or having beaten his wife in the past. Thus the question predetermines a result. The only alternative to the manipulative intention is to refuse to answer the question. In a statistical context, the phrasing of terms of reference can be used and altered to manipulate a desired outcome or response. For instance, a sociological study could include a term of reference which states, "Determine the geographical and historical variations in violent behaviour and membership of neo-fascist organisations in the study group". The question pre-supposes that there is an incidence in violent behaviour in members of neo-fascist groups, but it doesn't attempt to compare the incidence of violent behaviour within the general population. Thus, the loaded question, or loaded terms of reference, already limits the outcome of the study to show a desired result, which will be: X% of members of a neo fascist group were convicted of violent behaviour in years Y, in geographical areas Z. The study isn't required to state whether the level of violence is greater than, equal to or less than the level in the general public. It isn't required to compare the level of violence in the general population of the target area. A manipulator can use almost any outcome of this study to headline "Violent crime by neo-fascists on the rise in Z" or something like "15% of neo-fascists accused of violent crime". ## 36.2. Persistence Medium to Long. Strong messages tend to become embedded in the mind of victims. Unless a loaded question can be contradicted using an alternative authoritative study with different conclusions, the impression created by the loaded question will tend to prevail until it is explicitly contradicted. ## 36.3. Accessibility Medium. Pretty much anyone can design and use this method to pre-determine a result, provided that they have access to some usable data. ## 36.4. Conditions/Opportunity/Effectiveness Loading a question or terms of reference is available to all of us. However, anyone with some knowledge of the underlying manipulative process can unravel and publicly reveal a loaded question. Once it has been revealed as manipulative, the conclusions also collapse. ### 36.4.1. Examples Poll question loading: The answers to polls and surveys are often manipulated by wording the questions in such a way as to force a certain answer or limit the choice of reply. For instance, in polling support for a war, these questions elicit very different results: - Do you support attempts by the USA to bring freedom and democracy to other places in the world? - Do you support unprovoked military action by the USA? These two questions will certainly prompt different results, although they are both asking about support for some American foreign war. A more honest way of asking this question would be: "Do you support the current US military action abroad?" Preceding the question with information that supports the "desired" answer is another way to reach a favourable outcome. It is often called "pre-loading the question". For example, more people will probably answer "yes" if asked: "Given the increasing burden of taxes on middle-class families, do you support cuts in income tax?" than the alternative, "Considering the rising budget deficit and the desperate need for more revenue, do you support cuts in income tax?" ## 36.5 Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species There are no sub-types. ## 36.6. Avoidance and Counteraction To personally avoid a loaded question, simply refuse to answer it, and challenge it as a loaded question. In the public arena, loaded questions should be unravelled as publicly as possible. This dismantles the fallacy behind them and discredits any conclusions reached based on them. It also exposes and embarrasses the manipulator as a fraud.