Why People Rarely Provide Direct Answers to Simple Questions

Have you ever asked a simple, straightforward question and received an answer so elaborate that you ended up more confused than before?

There are several reasons why people provide more detailed responses to simple questions. This article aims to clarify those reasons and offer advice on how to get more direct answers when needed.

Reasons for Elaborate Responses

Context: Sometimes, the context surrounding the question is just as important as the question itself. Without considering the broader context, the answer given could be misleading or incomplete.

Ambiguity: Simple questions can often be interpreted in multiple ways, leading to more detailed responses to ensure clarity.

Desire for Engagement: Some individuals enjoy engaging in deep and meaningful conversations, which may extend beyond a simple yes or no answer.

Social Norms: In many cultural contexts, elaborating on the answer is seen as a sign of thoughtfulness and politeness.

Personal Style: Some people naturally communicate in a detailed and thorough manner, regardless of the question's complexity.

When Direct Answers Are Important

When you need a direct answer, it's helpful to specify this in your question. For example, if you are looking for statistical data, you might ask, 'What is the exact number of people killed by guns annually, without any additional context?'

Example: Gun control statistics are one such example. According to data from 2021, approximately 48,000 people are killed by guns annually in the United States. However, it's crucial to note that 54 of these deaths are suicides, a large portion are the result of justifiable shootings by law enforcement, and a significant number are gang-on-gang violence. Additionally, about 65% of gun crimes are committed by individuals who did not legally own the gun.

These statistics provide a fuller picture and are important when considering effective solutions to the issue.

Dealing with Argumentative Personalities

There might also be individuals who have a habit of providing lengthy, argumentative responses. They might use phrases like “But but but…” to try to turn a simple statement into an ongoing dispute. In such cases, it's best to ask for a focused and concise answer to avoid prolonging the discussion.

Practical Tips for Getting Direct Answers

If you are asking about personal information, such as the location of a person, it's important to be cautious and avoid revealing overly personal details. For example:

Question: 'How can you find RichardsonBenjamin, he states he is on an oil rig in Nova Scotia.'

Better to Ask: 'Can you provide the current location of an oil rig where RichardsonBenjamin is believed to be working in Nova Scotia, without revealing his personal identity.'

Doing so can minimize the risk of attracting potential stalkers and ensure that the answer is relevant and direct.

Lastly, keep in mind that Quora is not a people finder website. The platform is designed for sharing knowledge and insights, and users should respect others' privacy and avoid engaging in practices that compromise confidentiality.