What defines complex questions?

Complex questions are defined by their nature of presuming something unestablished to be true, which is characteristic of loaded or complex questioning. When a question is framed this way, it often implies a certain viewpoint or assumption that can lead the respondent in a specific direction, making it problematic for rational discourse. This type of questioning can limit genuine dialogue because it can force respondents to accept the presumption in order to answer.

For example, if someone asks, "Have you stopped cheating on your tests?" the question presupposes that the individual has cheated in the past, which may not be true. This can lead to a tricky situation where the person feels compelled to confirm or deny a false premise.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of what defines complex questions. Questions requiring multiple responses do not inherently possess the presuppositional aspect. Questions seeking emotional responses might aim to manipulate rather than operate under a presumption of truth. Lastly, while statistical evidence can support claims, it does not inherently relate to the structure or implicit assertions of complex questions.