Ethical Issues


Even though during the usability test the particpant is not under test, the same ethical issues must be addressed as in controlled experimentation. The participant should be briefed before the test on the nature of their participantion, the length of the test and the renumeration that they will receive. The participants should not be placed under pressure during the test process and efforts should be made by the experimenter to assure the user that it is not them but the product that is undergoing the usability test. Confidentiality of test results must also be assured and maintained, and the test users should be reminded that their participation is voluntary and that the test may be terminated at their request. Such requests must be honored and the experimenter should refrain from showing any sense of disappointment in either the premature completion of the test or the performance of the user or the product. At the end of the test, the participant should be debriefed on the process, any form of deception should be revealed and the agreed payment should be made.

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