Which type of question is best used to gain detailed insights during an audit interview?

Open-ended questions are the most effective for gaining detailed insights during an audit interview because they encourage respondents to share more extensive information, thoughts, and feelings. This type of question allows the interviewee to elaborate on their experiences, providing auditors with deeper context and understanding of processes, challenges, and practices within the organization.

By asking open-ended questions, auditors can probe further into specific areas of interest, leading to discovering underlying issues or exemplary practices that may not be immediately evident. This conversational approach fosters a more comprehensive dialogue, as it invites interviewees to express nuances and complexities of their roles, which can be crucial for identifying areas for improvement within the quality management system.

In contrast, the other question types are more restrictive and typically capture only limited responses. Closed-ended questions tend to yield short answers or specific data points, which may not provide the necessary depth. Yes/No questions allow for binary responses that limit insight, and multiple choice questions restrict answers to predefined options, which can miss key details that may arise in a more open discussion. Therefore, using open-ended questions is essential for gathering rich, informative data during an audit interview.