Remove bias from User Testing Questions
.svg)
In the realm of UX research, ensuring unbiased user test results is like unearthing hidden treasures! Crafting the right questions can be the difference between valuable insights and no insights. Here are some examples of how to reframe questions for a user test to avoid bias with simple changes:
1. Problematic Question: "Don't you find our website design modern and appealing?"
Pros:
- Quick feedback
- May seem straightforward
Cons:
- Implies a positive answer
- Invites social desirability bias
Reframed Question: "What are your thoughts on our website's design?"
This open-ended question invites honest opinions without leading participants towards a specific response. It's a blank canvas for candid feedback.
2. Problematic Question: "How user-friendly do you find our app?"
Pros:
- Direct query
Cons:
- Suggests usability is expected
- Encourages politeness bias
Reframed Question: "Please share your experience using our app."
This neutral, open-ended question allows users to freely express their experiences, good or bad, without feeling pressured to conform.
3. Problematic Question: "You must have encountered no issues with our support, right?"
Pros:
- Appears friendly
Cons:
- Pressures for a positive response
- Nudges towards confirmation bias
Reframed Question: "Tell us about your interactions with our support team."
This open-ended question avoids any assumptions and encourages users to recount their experiences truthfully.
4. Problematic Question: "Isn't our new feature a game-changer?"
Pros:
- Elicits a strong response
Cons:
- Leads to affirmation bias
- Can make participants uncomfortable if they disagree
Reframed Question: "What are your thoughts on the new feature we introduced?"
By neutralising bias, this question opens the door for diverse perspectives, allowing users to express their genuine views.
5. Problematic Question: "How satisfied are you with our service, considering our commitment to excellence?"
Pros:
- Emphasises commitment
Cons:
- Influences towards a positive response
- Amplifies confirmation bias
Reframed Question: "Please rate your satisfaction with our service on a scale from 1 to 10."
This question provides a structured, unbiased way to measure satisfaction, removing any leading language.
In the field of UX research, reformulating questions is your way to obtain impartial, valuable insights. The appropriate questions function as mirrors, reflecting user experiences without any bias. Embrace open-ended inquiries, avoid making assumptions, and establish an equal platform for different opinions. This is the approach to revealing the genuine treasures of user testing, where every insight is a valuable discovery.