Acting Too Knowledgeable

This problem occurs when the test moderator and participant are in the same room during the test. Participants will tend to defer to the test moderator and ask many questions if they feel that the test moderator knows all the answers. Being too knowledgeable can also intimidate a participant who may

be somewhat nervous and self-conscious about his or her abilities.

One simple way to counteract the problem of acting too knowledgeable is for the test moderator to "play dumb." That is, the test moderator downplays any knowledge of the product and takes on the role of a research technician who is simply collecting data. Participants then change their entire demeanor 

when it becomes clear that they were not going to receive any assistance Tom the test moderator. They begin to try harder and to behave as if they were alone in their own home or office.