What does the term 'elicitation' in Casual Questioning refer to?

The term 'elicitation' in the context of Casual Questioning refers to the subtle extraction of information from a subject without them being fully aware of the intent to gather specific data. This technique is typically used in various fields, including intelligence and law enforcement, as it allows the person conducting the questioning to obtain information in a non-threatening manner.

Elicitation relies on creating a friendly or casual conversation environment, which encourages the subject to share insights or observations that they might not normally disclose in more formal settings. Unlike direct confrontation or forceful methods, elicitation is based on rapport-building and social interaction, making it a valuable skill for gathering information effectively and discreetly.

This approach is particularly advantageous because it tends to reduce resistance or suspicion from the subject, thereby increasing the likelihood of obtaining useful and relevant information.