# Participant Screener Survey

## Purpose

A screener identifies good research participants and filters out anyone who wouldn't represent your target users. The most efficient format is an online survey. Don't make it obvious who you're looking for — people will game their answers.

## How to Use This Template

1. Customize the questions below for your study
2. Define your ideal answers (but don't reveal them in the survey)
3. Send via Google Forms, Typeform, or similar tool
4. Score responses and invite qualifying participants

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## Screener Questions

### Section 1: Demographics

> Adjust based on your participant criteria. Only ask what's relevant.

**Q1.** What is your age range?
- [ ] 18-24
- [ ] 25-34
- [ ] 35-44
- [ ] 45-54
- [ ] 55-64
- [ ] 65+

**Q2.** What best describes your current role?
- [ ] [Role A — target]
- [ ] [Role B — target]
- [ ] [Role C — not target]
- [ ] [Role D — not target]
- [ ] Other: ___

**Q3.** How long have you been in this role?
- [ ] Less than 1 year
- [ ] 1-3 years
- [ ] 3-5 years
- [ ] 5+ years

### Section 2: Relevant Behavior

> These questions identify whether the person actually exhibits the behaviors you're studying. Focus on what they DO, not what they think.

**Q4.** How often do you [relevant activity]?
- [ ] Daily
- [ ] A few times a week
- [ ] A few times a month
- [ ] Rarely
- [ ] Never

> Target answer: [e.g., Daily or A few times a week]

**Q5.** Which of the following tools do you currently use? (Select all that apply)
- [ ] [Your product]
- [ ] [Competitor A]
- [ ] [Competitor B]
- [ ] [Unrelated tool — distractor]
- [ ] None of the above

> Target answer: [e.g., Uses your product OR Competitor A]

**Q6.** When was the last time you [specific task related to your study]?
- [ ] Within the last week
- [ ] Within the last month
- [ ] Within the last 3 months
- [ ] More than 3 months ago
- [ ] I've never done this

> Target answer: [e.g., Within the last month]

### Section 3: Technology Comfort

> Only include if tech proficiency matters for your study.

**Q7.** How would you describe your comfort level with technology?
- [ ] I try new apps and tools frequently
- [ ] I'm comfortable with common apps but don't seek out new ones
- [ ] I use technology when I have to but prefer other methods
- [ ] I find most technology confusing

> Target answer: [depends on your user profile]

### Section 4: Disqualifiers

> Include questions that help you filter out people who shouldn't participate.

**Q8.** Do you or does anyone in your household work in any of the following industries? (Select all that apply)
- [ ] UX Design or Research
- [ ] Software Development
- [ ] Marketing or Advertising
- [ ] [Your company's industry — if disqualifying]
- [ ] None of the above

> Disqualify: Anyone who selects a conflicting industry

**Q9.** Have you participated in a research study or focus group in the past 6 months?
- [ ] Yes
- [ ] No

> Consider disqualifying frequent research participants ("professional participants")

### Section 5: Logistics

**Q10.** Are you available for a [duration] session between [date range]?
- [ ] Yes
- [ ] No

**Q11.** [If remote] Do you have access to a computer with a webcam and stable internet connection?
- [ ] Yes
- [ ] No

**Q12.** What is the best email address to reach you?
[Open field]

**Q13.** What is your preferred name?
[Open field]

---

## Scoring Guide

> Don't include this in the survey — use it internally to evaluate responses.

| Question | Ideal Answer | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Q2 (Role) | [Target role] | +2 |
| Q4 (Frequency) | [Daily or weekly] | +2 |
| Q5 (Tools) | [Uses relevant product] | +2 |
| Q6 (Recency) | [Within last month] | +1 |
| Q8 (Industry) | None of the above | Required |
| Q10 (Availability) | Yes | Required |

**Qualifying score:** [e.g., 5+ points with no disqualifiers]

---

## Invitation Template

> Send to qualifying participants:

Subject: Invitation to participate in a research session — [$incentive amount] thank you gift

Hi [Name],

Thanks for completing our survey! Based on your responses, we'd love to invite you to a [duration] session where we'll ask you about your experience with [topic — keep vague].

**Details:**
- **When:** [Date/time options]
- **Where:** [Location or video call link]
- **Duration:** [Length]
- **Thank you gift:** [$Amount gift card]

Would any of these times work for you? If so, just reply and I'll send a calendar invite.

Thanks,
[Your name]
