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Comprehension survey

A comprehension survey checks if users understand the content and can perform intended tasks. In this test, participants read a piece of content and answer a few targeted questions, typically taking about 20 minutes. Before testing, prepare a research plan outlining objectives, questions, participant criteria, and timeline.

When designing the questionnaire:

  • Limit questions, focusing on open-ended ones.
  • For multiple-choice questions, avoid negatives, provide only one clear answer, and ensure mutually exclusive choices. Avoid hints, “all/none of the above,” and absolutes like “never” or “always.”

Comprehension surveys require time, effort, and budget but offer valuable insights to validate content. If resources are limited, consider an unmoderated test via online platforms like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms.

Pro Tip: Some questions can include an “I don’t know” option to reduce attempts of lucky guessing.

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