Abstract: A computer based method for acquiring life history information from an applicant for employment to minimize positive response bias and enhance the veracity of the acquired life history information. A question collection related to at least one life event is presented to the applicant. The question collection is comprised of a revealed stem question and at least one hidden branch question, the hidden branch question being related to the stem question. Based on the stem question response, the method automatically determines whether to present at least one hidden branch question to the applicant. If a hidden branch question is presented to the applicant, the applicant's response is received and stored in the computer database. The response to the stem question and the response to the hidden branch question are predictive of a predefined negative outcome for the applicant.