Of course, but that isn't always as efficient. Candidates bone up on canned responses the weekend prior, and it's also good to see which candidates are independent learners.

You'd be surprised how many senior developers freeze when they are asked to reverse a list using any language of choice.

I’m sure asking them the direct question won’t stop them from spewing out memorizes garbage.

The better question is why you think that’s a good thing

Why do I think what is a good thing?

Asking easy and qualifying questions upfront saves money for the company.

But since this is a standard one now, they can bone up on it too.

It's been a standard one for a long time, but many people have difficulty with it.