What is the purpose of asking questions one at a time?

The purpose of asking questions one at a time is to enhance clarity and focus in responses. When questions are presented individually, participants can concentrate fully on each question, leading to more thoughtful and accurate answers. This approach minimizes the likelihood of misunderstanding or distraction that might occur if multiple questions were posed at once. It allows respondents to process the information effectively and respond with their full attention, which is particularly important in qualitative data collection where the nuances of the answers matter greatly.

The other options do not align with this principle; creating confusion among respondents would be counterproductive, while discouraging participants goes against the aim of encouraging open dialogue. Additionally, while asking questions sequentially might streamline the conversation in some contexts, the primary emphasis is on ensuring the quality and clarity of responses rather than merely speeding up the process.