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Data Reliability Indicator Based on the Coefcient of Variation Report for the Third Round of Usability Testing
Data Reliability Indicator Based on the Coefcient of Variation Report for the Third Round of Usability Testing
SSM2010-10
Executive Summary
This study compared different versions of American Community Survey data tables with a data reliability indicator based on the coefficient of variation. The tables differed in terms of whether the data reliability legend was displayed above the table or behind a link, “Reliable” or “Not Very Reliable” was listed first, or whether it was color–coded. There were few key differences between the tables in terms of user accuracy in finding answers to the tasks. The usability goals were met for accuracy of responses and users satisfaction for all of the conditions (although the goal was not met for all data products). However, the efficiency goal was not met for several of the table types. As with previous tests, key usability issues were confusion about the meaning of “reliability” and what the cut–offs for the different levels of reliability were. Evidence from an analysis of efficiency and task difficulty ratings indicated that including the data reliability indicator above the table may have a slightly negative impact.
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Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021
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