Usability Testing for Survey Research

Usability Testing for Survey Research

by Emily Geisen, Jennifer Romano Bergstrom
Released February 2017
Publisher(s): Morgan Kaufmann
ISBN: 9780128036815

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Book description

Usability Testing for Survey Research provides researchers with a guide to the tools necessary to evaluate, test, and modify surveys in an iterative method during the survey pretesting process. It includes examples that apply usability to any type of survey during any stage of development, along with tactics on how to tailor usability testing to meet budget and scheduling constraints.

The book's authors distill their experience to provide tips on how usability testing can be applied to paper surveys, mixed-mode surveys, interviewer-administered tools, and additional products.

Readers will gain an understanding of usability and usability testing and why it is needed for survey research, along with guidance on how to design and conduct usability tests, analyze and report findings, ideas for how to tailor usability testing to meet budget and schedule constraints, and new knowledge on how to apply usability testing to other survey-related products, such as project websites and interviewer administered tools.

  • Explains how to design and conduct usability tests and analyze and report the findings
  • Includes examples on how to conduct usability testing on any type of survey, from a simple three-question survey on a mobile device, to a complex, multi-page establishment survey
  • Presents real-world examples from leading usability and survey professionals, including a diverse collection of case studies and considerations for using and combining other methods
  • Discusses the facilities, materials, and software needed for usability testing, including in-lab testing, remote testing, and eye tracking

Table of contents

  1. Cover image
  2. Title page
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Copyright
  5. Dedication
  6. About the Authors
  7. Acknowledgments
  8. Introduction
    1. Who Should Read This Book?
    2. How Is This Book Organized?
  9. Chapter 1. Usability and Usability Testing
    1. Abstract
    2. A Brief History
    3. Defining Modern Usability
    4. Defining Usability for Surveys
    5. Importance of Usability Testing as a Pretesting Methodology
    6. Usability Testing Does Not Replace Good Design
    7. Overview of the Usability Testing Process
    8. References
  10. Chapter 2. Respondent–Survey Interaction
    1. Abstract
    2. Sources of Potential Errors in Surveys
    3. How Respondents Answer Survey Questions
    4. How Respondents Interact With Surveys
    5. Usability Model for Surveys
    6. References
  11. Chapter 3. Adding Usability Testing to the Survey Process
    1. Abstract
    2. Iterative Design and Testing
    3. What to Test and When
    4. Usability Testing Continuum
    5. References
  12. Chapter 4. Planning for Usability Testing
    1. Abstract
    2. Participant Selection
    3. Determining Sample Sizes
    4. Participant Recruitment
    5. Testing Equipment, Environment, and Materials
    6. Practical Considerations
    7. References
  13. Chapter 5. Developing the Usability Testing Protocol
    1. Abstract
    2. Identifying Testing Focus/Concerns
    3. Identifying Measures to Collect
    4. Creating Test Materials
    5. References
  14. Chapter 6. Think Aloud and Verbal-Probing Techniques
    1. Abstract
    2. Think-Aloud Approach
    3. Verbal-Probing Approach
    4. Choosing a Moderating Technique
    5. Example: Concurrent Think Aloud and Concurrent Verbal Probing
    6. References
  15. Chapter 7. Conducting Usability Sessions
    1. Abstract
    2. Set Up Procedures
    3. Moderating the Session
    4. Collecting and Recording Data
    5. Guidelines for Observers
    6. Debriefing With the Team
    7. References
  16. Chapter 8. Analyzing and Reporting Results
    1. Abstract
    2. Detailed Analysis Approach
    3. Agile Analysis Approach
    4. Addressing Usability Concerns
    5. Special Considerations for Mixed-Mode Surveys
    6. Reporting Findings
    7. References
  17. Glossary
  18. Index

Product information

  • Title: Usability Testing for Survey Research
  • Author(s): Emily Geisen, Jennifer Romano Bergstrom
  • Release date: February 2017
  • Publisher(s): Morgan Kaufmann
  • ISBN: 9780128036815