Excellent Memory

Some might believe that because usability test sessions are recorded, the test moderator need not rely on memory for conducting and evaluating a test session. Actually, memory is called Into play well before a test session has ended. Because a test session can be rather long, the test moderator needs to remember behaviors or comments that took place earlier in the session in order to cross-check and probe those behaviors later in the session. For example, a participant may attempt to perform the same task in two or three different ways, and the test moderator may want to probe to understand why the participant performed the task differently each time. 

Memory is also required to recall the results of a test session after its completion. Because there is often very little time to devote to searching the videotapes after a test, except as insurance against missing some point entirely, the test moderator often must rely heavily on memory and notes.