When Someone Gives Multiple Answers To One Question For Excuse

When Multiple Answers Become an Excuse: Deciphering the Truth Behind Evasive Responses

We've all been there. You ask a straightforward question, and instead of a simple, direct answer, you receive a flurry of responses, each seemingly contradicting the last. This isn't always malicious, but it often signals something isn't quite right. This article explores the psychology behind giving multiple answers to one question, when it's a genuine attempt at clarification, and when it's a deliberate tactic to avoid accountability.

Why do people give multiple answers to one simple question? There are several reasons, ranging from simple nervousness to intentional deception. Understanding the underlying motivations is key to interpreting the situation accurately.

The Innocent Explanations:

• Uncertainty and Lack of Clarity: Sometimes, the person genuinely doesn't know the answer. Providing multiple possibilities reflects their internal struggle to recall or process information accurately. They might be trying to piece together fragmented memories or uncertain details, leading to a scattered response. Think of it like searching for a specific file on your computer – you might open several folders before finding the correct one.

• Attempting to be Thorough: In some contexts, providing multiple perspectives can be a sign of thoroughness, especially if the question is complex or multifaceted. For example, a business proposal might require multiple answers addressing various aspects of the request.

• Nervousness and Anxiety: When faced with a potentially challenging question, a nervous person might ramble, offering various answers in an attempt to fill the silence and avoid direct confrontation. This is a common response in high-stakes situations, like job interviews or disciplinary conversations.

The Less Innocent Explanations:

• Deception and Evasion: This is the most concerning scenario. Giving multiple answers is a classic tactic to avoid a direct and potentially incriminating response. The goal is to confuse the questioner, making it difficult to pinpoint inconsistencies and hold them accountable.

• Shifting Blame or Responsibility: Multiple answers can serve as a deflection strategy, subtly shifting the blame onto others or external factors. Instead of admitting fault, the individual might offer several explanations, none of which directly address their own role in the situation.

• Lack of Accountability: This ties into evasion. Providing multiple answers avoids taking ownership of actions or decisions. It allows the person to evade responsibility and avoid the consequences of their actions.

How to identify if multiple answers are an excuse:

Pay close attention to the context and nonverbal cues. Look for inconsistencies in the answers, evasiveness, and a lack of direct engagement with the core question. Observe their body language – are they fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or showing signs of nervousness?

Examples of Evasive Multiple Answers:

• Question: "Where were you last night?"

  • Evasive Answer: "Oh, I was... um... out with friends... maybe... I think I went to... well, several places, actually." (Notice the lack of specifics and the use of vague language.)

• Question: "Did you complete the report?"

  • Evasive Answer: "I started it... I had some other urgent tasks... I’ll get to it soon... I think I almost finished it…" (Again, avoids a direct "yes" or "no.")

The Takeaway:

While multiple answers don't automatically equate to deception, they should raise a red flag. Consider the context, observe the person's behavior, and look for inconsistencies. If you suspect evasion, try rephrasing the question more directly or seeking further clarification. Understanding the underlying motives behind multiple answers is crucial for effective communication and navigating potentially deceptive situations.