What characterizes comparison questions in the CQT?

• A. They are directly about the crime.
• B. They measure only cognitive load.
• C. They assess the suspect's memory.
• D. They are not directly about the crime but aim to induce an emotional reaction by covering common misdeeds.

Answer: (D)

In the Concealed Information Test, comparison questions are designed to provoke an emotional response by asking about common misdeeds rather than about the crime itself. This non-crime focus creates a contrast in arousal that helps reveal recognition when comparing responses to crime-relevant questions with those to comparison questions. The goal is to elicit a stronger reaction from someone who recognizes the information without tying the probe directly to the specific crime. Other options don’t fit because asking directly about the crime targets relevant questions, not comparison ones; measuring cognitive load isn’t the purpose of these questions; and assessing memory of the crime isn’t the intended function of comparison questions, which rely on emotional arousal from non-crime but personally salient topics.