Final answer:
To determine a client's needs, questions should be systematic and focused, starting with broad inquiries and narrowing down, much like a formal interview. These questions help identify both concrete requirements and broader expectations to tailor solutions to client needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pattern of questions you ask when determining your client's needs should resemble a systematic approach, such as that used in a formal interview. Starting with broader questions which then narrow down as more information is gathered can help you understand the detailed nuances of your client's needs.
It is important to include questions that reveal both the concrete and abstract requirements of your client, such as "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", "What causes the problem?", or "What are some realistic solutions to the problem?". These inquiries are aimed at recognizing what the client needs, what they expect as solutions, and how best to tailor the research or service offering to meet these expectations. Utilizing a mix of exploratory and specific questions benefits both the researcher and the client in clearly identifying the client's needs and ensuring that the outcome is closely aligned with their goals.