Study PMI-PBA Elicitation Techniques and Discovery: key concepts, common traps, and exam decision cues.
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Elicitation is not about using the most popular technique. PMI-PBA expects you to choose the technique that best fits the information gap, stakeholder behavior, and risk of misunderstanding.
Interviews, workshops, observation, surveys, and document analysis all have value, but the strongest answer depends on why information is needed and how reliable a given source is likely to be.
Stronger answers usually do
match the elicitation technique to the type of information needed
use direct observation or workshops when interaction patterns matter
capture assumptions, rationale, and uncertainty rather than only final statements
adjust the approach when stakeholder participation or trust is weak
Common traps
choosing the fastest technique instead of the most informative one
recording statements without clarifying context or rationale
assuming one stakeholder can speak accurately for everyone
relying on written responses when rich discussion is needed