Which of the following is considered an elicitation technique?

The technique of making deliberate false statements is classified as an elicitation technique because it aims to provoke a reaction or obtain specific information from the target. By presenting information that is misleading or incorrect, the individual employing this tactic can create a situation where the target may feel compelled to correct the inaccuracies or provide additional context, thus revealing sensitive information unintentionally.

Elicitation relies on subtlety and manipulation to draw out information, and deliberate false statements can effectively disrupt a target's defenses by instigating a reflexive response. This method plays on psychological factors, leveraging curiosity or the need to clarify misinformation to extract details that the target may not have disclosed otherwise.

In contrast, engaging in small talk is more about casual conversation that may foster rapport but lacks the targeted, manipulative aim of elicitation. Refraining from asking questions does not seek to extract information and does not align with the intention behind elicitation. Taking notes, while potentially useful in documenting information, does not inherently involve a technique aimed at gaining information from another party. Therefore, deliberate false statements distinctly embodies the strategy used in elicitation.