We aim for at least 50 participants per user group. 100 is ideal. We’ll need more if each participant is only shown a subset of the tasks. |
If we use web ads to get participants, we choose web pages (and even other websites) that target the kinds of users we’re looking for. |
Web ads should be designed to attract attention and present an at-a-glance proposition, and should link to a page that briefly explains the study and provides an obvious way to start. |
If we email invitations, we should qualify the recipients as well as we can, and send our invitations in batches to conserve the participant pool. |
If we use social media, we should consider which channels are appropriate, and keep our invitation short and punchy. |
If we use commercial research panels, we choose those that adequately cover our region and the types of users we’re looking for. |
To boost numbers and reduce selection bias, we use a variety of methods to recruit our participants. |
We make sure we’re getting the participants we want by filtering our customer lists and/or screening those who see the invitation. |
Recipients are more likely to participate if they receive a clear invitation from a sender they know. |
For most studies, offer an incentive. Prize draws are usually easiest. |
Next: Chapter 10 - Piloting the test