Final answer:
Clarification is a directive technique in which a medical assistant seeks more information from the patient to better understand their statement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clarification is a directive technique in which the medical assistant requests more information in order to better understand what the patient has stated. By seeking clarification, the medical assistant can gather additional details and ensure accurate understanding of the patient's symptoms or concerns. For example, the medical assistant might ask open-ended questions such as 'Could you please explain what you mean by...?' or 'Can you provide more information about...?'