Why It's Called "Sensitivity"

fatigue sensitivity

When a person answers a question with a question, we say that the question is "sensitive" to the person.  It is our job to find out why the question would elicit a sensitive response. 

Example:  A man walks into his wife's office and asks his wife's boss,

"You're sleeping with my wife?" in anger in his voice.  

The boss says, "Excuse me?"

In looking at this, we conclude that the question, "You're sleeping with my wife?" is technically "Sensitive" to the subject (boss).

Why?

Because he answered a question with a question, showing that the question itself, was sensitive to him. 

Why would this question be sensitive to him?

A.  Because he is sleeping with the man's wife and is in utter shock at the question. 
B.  Because he is not sleeping with the man's wife and is in utter shock at the question. 
C.  He did not hear the person
D.  Other 

The question could be sensitive for any of these reasons, therefore, in context, we might see precisely why the question is sensitive to him, and he has answered it with a question, in order to stall for time, a bit, to think.

Let's look at the same question and response, but in another context. 

The married man was at lunch with the boss and were discussing the same topic, when he finally asked the question, "You're sleeping with my wife?"

In the midst of a conversation about infidelity, it is not likely that the subject would have the same level of surprise or shock that he had in the case of the man walking into the office and blurting out his question.

Therefore, the "sensitivity indicator" may mean that the question has cut too close to the bone to give an immediate denial.

Why might it be sensitive to him?

A.  Because he is sleeping with the man's wife
B.  Because he hasn't slept with the man's wife, but has been flirting with her, in hopes of
C.  Because he wants to, but didn't think it was evident to anyone but himself (yes, this happens)
D.  Other

We do not rush to declare "deception" but attempt to think about why something may be sensitive to someone.  The tag, "sensitive", that is, attached to emotion, is a very good descriptive word to use.  

Here is where the skill of the analyst comes into play:  Conclusion. 

Walk, don't run.  Do not conclude anything based on a single sensitivity indicator.  Note context and note it well.  Put yourself into the shoes of the subject.  Proceed with caution.  Think.  Think more.