Troubleshooting Typical Moderating Problems

Now that you have reviewed some of the important characteristics that a test moderator should possess, as well as some pointers for moderating the smoothest possible sessions with test participants, let's review some of the behaviors that test moderators should avoid. We describe the most common "errors" that test moderators make while conducting a test, many of which we have learned from experience. Consider it a list of "what not to do." Even experienced test moderators can benefit from taking a few moments just prior 

to testing to review this list. As with the previous list of characteristics, you can use this list to evaluate and improve your own performance or to evaluate the performance of someone you hire to conduct usability testing for you.