What is the appropriate response if the participant’s answer is unclear?

The most appropriate response when a participant's answer is unclear is to ask them to clarify their answer directly. By referencing what they previously said—"You said X and Y, which did you mean?"—you prompt them to specify or refine their thoughts on the matter, which can help gain a clearer understanding of their response. This approach directly engages the participant in reflecting on and clarifying their statements, which can lead to more precise communication.

Options that invite elaboration or different explanations may still be useful in certain contexts, but they can introduce more ambiguity if the participant does not clearly understand what part of their response needs clarification. Directly referencing their previous answer ensures the conversation stays focused on the specific aspect that was unclear, making it more effective for resolving confusion.