Which elicitation technique involves the interviewer feigning ignorance?

The technique of feigning ignorance involves the interviewer pretending not to have knowledge about the topic they are discussing. This approach is used to encourage the interviewee to provide more information than they may normally do, as the interviewee might feel inclined to fill in the gaps out of a desire to help or explain. By presenting themselves as uninformed, the interviewer can create an environment where the subject feels more comfortable sharing sensitive information or details that might otherwise be withheld if the interviewer appeared more knowledgeable.

This technique can be particularly effective in elicitation scenarios, as it can disarm the interviewee and lower their defenses, leading to a more open exchange of information. The context in which this method is utilized is crucial, as it relies on the dynamics of social interaction and communication psychology.