Next-generation Usability Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is this study about?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), part of the U.S. Department of Education, is administering a study with students who are at or near 4th and 8th grades to explore how students interact with components such as tutorials, instructions, tools, and item types in order to enhance the student experience for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) program. Students’ participation will help us improve the usability of the NAEP testing platform. NAEP tests go out to thousands of students across the country to give the government an idea of how well our education system is performing.
2. Where will the study sessions take place?
The study sessions will take place virtually via video conference or at EurekaFacts, located in Rockville, Maryland.
3. What are you doing in terms of COVID-19 safety?
Our staff is following CDC guidelines for COVID-19 by wearing face masks and social distancing as much as possible. EurekaFacts staff will also disinfect materials between uses and have hand sanitizer available.
We ask that parents and students wear face masks and follow CDC guidelines when they come to the research session site. In addition, students are asked to wear face masks for the duration of the session, unless they are eating or drinking.
4. What will happen during the research session?
Students will be in a one-on-one or small group setting with an interviewer either remotely online or in-person. After introductions and some simple instructions, students will be asked to complete a series of tasks on a tablet. As they work, the interviewer may have questions about how well the system is working or about their general experience completing the tasks.
5. How long will the research session last?
The session will last no more than 60 minutes for 4th graders and no more than 90 minutes for 8th graders.
6. Will you keep information confidential?
All participants will be assigned a unique student identifier and their names will not be linked to any of their feedback. All personally identifiable information will be destroyed six (6) months after the end of the study.
7. Will the feedback go to the participant’s school?
No, responses will not be disclosed to any schools and will not be linked to any other personally identifiable information.
8. What are the possible risks of being in the study?
There are no known risks to participating in this study.
9. Who can I contact with questions or for further information?
Jose Duarte is coordinating this session at EurekaFacts on behalf of NCES. If you have any questions, please call 202-794-8348 or email duartej@eurekafacts.com.
10. Is participation required?
Participation in this study is voluntary. Each participant has the right to refuse to answer particular questions and may elect to withdraw from this study at any time and can leave early if they wish.
If you are interested in participating, please click on the following link to answer a few questions and see if you are eligible to take part: