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User Survey
What is it?
A User Survey is a technique for collecting information that uses a
questionnaire (a list of questions) to measure the magnitude of a problem
(How big is the problem?).
Who uses it?
The team and the manager, with participation from all staff.
Why use it?
It is an easy, direct observation technique that allows measurement of
users' perceptions and attitudes.
When to use it?
When you want direct information about a topic rapidly, and when you want
to evaluate users' needs.
How to use it:
- Define the problem to be investigated
- Create the questionnaire:
- The questions should have a logical sequence.
- Frame questions without using technical terms.
- Avoid hypothetical questions--instead, focus on the present.
- Each question must require only one answer to avoid confusion.
- Avoid words with double meanings and words that are emotionally
charged.
- Give options that are exclusive, and try to include all of the possible
responses when asking closed questions.
- Include open-ended or controversial questions at the end.
- Review the questionnaire with all staff for feedback and to gain
commitment to use results.
Note: In some circumstances, using a statistically defensible sample size and
method, together with having the survey questionnaire reviewed by a
statistician, can make the results more persuasive to Ministry officials and
other decision makers.
- Test the questionnaire (for format, sequence, and comprehension) with a
small group of users (a focus group).
- Do a statistical analysis with the preliminary results of the test.
- Define a sample of users to whom the survey will be applied.
Some tips:
The questions planned for the questionnaire can be in open- or closed-ended
format:
- Open questions allow the person surveyed to respond in their own
words and develop their answer. The benefit of open questions is that you receive more detailed
information, but the survey takes more time.
- When asked closed questions, the person surveyed has to choose between
various options. The benefits of closed questions are that you can collect more information in less time
than you can with the open format and you can receive more precise answers.
However, you lose the depth of information you receive with open questions.
Example:
Here is an example of a user survey
being utilized in direct observation.
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Case Study
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