The Parts of a Test Plan

Test plan formats will vary according to the type of test and the degree of formality required in your organization. However, the following are the typical sections to include, along with a description of each one. At the end of this chapter is a sample test plan.

Purpose, goals, and objectives of the test
Research questions
Participant characteristics
Method (test design)
Task list

Test environment, equipment, and logistics
Test moderator role

Data to be collected and evaluation measures
Report contents and presentation

These parts are discussed in detail in the following sections, with the exception of the role of the test moderator, which gets its own chapter. Chapter 4, because it merits a special discussion.