Which of the following questions are appropriate in a preliminary investigation for sexual assault?

The choice focusing on "Where were you in the hours prior to the assault?" is appropriate in a preliminary investigation for sexual assault because it helps establish a timeline and context for the incident. Understanding the victim's whereabouts leading up to the assault can provide crucial information about their state prior to the incident, potential witnesses, and the relationship with the suspect. It also aids in corroborating details and understanding the sequence of events, which is vital in investigative processes.

In contrast, questions about what the victim wore or whether they asked the suspect to stop can inadvertently shift blame onto the victim and may not contribute constructively to gathering facts about the crime. Furthermore, asking about the victim's activities before meeting the suspect may also lead away from the core details of the assault itself and could be perceived as intrusive, detracting from the dignity and support that should be afforded to the victim in such sensitive situations.