‘Finding out about others: the skill of questioning’ Hargie, O. (2011) Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice. Chapter 5
The main aim of chapter 5 is to highlight the importance of questions within communication. Hargie also focuses on the types of questions and how they may be asked depending on a specific situation and what kind of response the questioner requires.
There are a few main themes within this chapter. Hargie highlights that questioning children enhances their learning process and answers their curiosity. “It is very important for the child’s development that parents take time to answer these questions.” (Cook, 2009) Some students did not want to answer questions in class as they were worried they would get a pessimistic response from their class peers – Tizard et al. (1983) conducted an experiment to prove this. I agree with this conclusion from Tizard et al. as I was hesitant as a pupil to ask a question in class in case it was a silly question or my peers thought I was not coping with the work.
Hargie compares several types of questioning with doctors and patients and explains how the questioner (doctor) has more control over the conversation. The respondent may feel under pressure to answer the question as the questioner may already know the answer. Brashers et al. (2002: 259) discovered that doctors ask the most questions and patients contribute with explanations. It was found that when patients did ask questions the doctor was wearisome and uncomfortable. I agree with this as some doctors in the working profession may feel intimidated by a patient asking questions. But, I also disagree as any personal experience I have had the doctor has always been willing to answer any of my questions with a sufficient explanation.
Hargie discussed the advantages and disadvantages of open and closed questions by comparing them. Closed questions usually have a correct response whereas open questions, the response is left open and the respondent is in more control of the conversation. This is a substantial claim as closed questions keep the respondent on the topic of the question while open questions can be answered in more detail and are more likely to veer from the topic. They are also more time consuming as the respondent’s answer tends to be longer.
Overall, by reading this chapter my knowledge of questioning has expanded and I now have further understanding of the importance of questions in everyday situations. In teaching practice, I will ensure I answer each child’s question carefully with a full explanation and ensure they understand before moving on.
Reference List
‘Finding out about others: the skill of questioning’ Hargie, O. (2011) Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice. 5th ed. London: Routledge.
