People may answer questions indirectly for several reasons:
Ambiguity: Sometimes, questions are not phrased precisely or leave room for interpretation. In such cases, the respondent may try to understand the underlying intent of the question and provide an answer they believe is relevant or useful.
Social Norms: In certain cultures or social settings, being too direct can be considered impolite or confrontational. Respondents might opt for a more diplomatic or indirect response to maintain harmony in the conversation.
Privacy and Discretion: Some questions may touch on sensitive or personal topics, and individuals may prefer not to disclose certain information. An indirect response allows them to provide some insight while protecting their privacy.
Lack of Knowledge: If a person doesn't have a clear answer to a question, they might try to respond indirectly to avoid sounding uninformed or admitting that they don't know.
Avoiding Conflict: In situations where the question could lead to disagreement or conflict, people may provide a non-committal or vague response to avoid potential confrontations.
Humor: Indirect responses can sometimes be a form of humor or wit, adding an element of playfulness to the conversation.
Misinterpretation: Occasionally, the person answering the question may misunderstand the question's intent and, as a result, provide an indirect response that doesn't fully address the original query.
Time Constraints: In fast-paced conversations or interviews, individuals may not have enough time to think through a comprehensive response, leading to a brief or indirect reply.
Cognitive Bias: Cognitive biases can influence how people interpret questions and formulate responses. These biases may lead to answers that are indirectly related to the question.
Evasion: In certain situations, individuals may deliberately choose to avoid answering a question directly, particularly if they have something to hide or if the answer could have negative consequences for them.
Overall, indirect responses to questions can stem from a range of factors, including communication style, cultural norms, personality traits, and the context of the conversation. In some cases, it might be helpful to ask follow-up questions or seek clarification to encourage more direct and informative answers.