elicitation

Elicitation is the process of obtaining information from someone through indirect, non-coercive means, with the aim that the subject reveals data willingly rather than under direct questioning. It emphasizes social interaction and the gradual drawing out of knowledge rather than force or overt interrogation.

In intelligence and national security, elicitation refers to planned conversational techniques used to gather information without arousing suspicion. It is distinguished from interrogation by relying on voluntary disclosure and a natural flow of conversation, rather than pressure or coercion. It may be employed in a variety of settings where discreet information gathering is appropriate.

Outside security contexts, elicitation appears in journalism, diplomacy, market research, and anthropology, where researchers or practitioners seek to learn beliefs, intentions, or experiences without explicitly prompting for sensitive details. The goal is to understand a topic through conversations that feel casual, nonthreatening, and mutually engaging.

Techniques are typically indirect and situational, often involving rapport-building, shared interests, storytelling, or prompting others to reveal information through context and reciprocity. Ethical considerations emphasize consent, privacy, accuracy, and the avoidance of manipulation. Inappropriate elicitation can veer into deception or violation of trust, and it may be subject to professional or legal scrutiny.

Legal and organizational frameworks vary widely; some environments regulate who may engage in elicitation and for what purposes, especially where confidentiality, trade secrets, or personal data are involved. Elicitation remains a descriptive term for a range of social practices rather than a single standardized method, with success dependent on social dynamics and trust between parties.