What information should I give to respondents?
OPPassessment questionnaires contain full instructions about how to complete them and submit them for scoring. In addition, it is important to provide a context for respondents by including appropriate information in the email you distribute with the questionnaires. This may include clear instructions and full information on:
- Why this person is being asked to complete the assessment
- How they should fill in the questionnaire
- What feedback they will receive
- What will happen as a result of the assessment
- What will happen to their scores, results and reports.
An example email is given below, for a development context using the MBTI® Step I instrument. This example is not intended to be prescriptive, and is merely a guide.
Development using the MBTI Step I instrument
As you know, we will be meeting on [date] to begin your development planning. As part of the process, I recommend that we use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) questionnaire, which provides a constructive framework for looking at how people prefer to take in information, make decisions and live their lives. You are invited, on a voluntary basis, to complete the questionnaire.
Please follow the instructions for completing the questionnaire. There is no time limit, although most people take around 20 to 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire.
When choosing your answers, please put yourself in a relaxed frame of mind and respond in a way that reflects how you are when you are not under pressure. There are no right or wrong answers, and your first response is likely to be the best for you, so don’t dwell on each question for too long.
When you have completed the questionnaire, follow the instructions to submit it for scoring. Please try to submit the questionnaire by [date].
We will spend time during the feedback session making sure you understand the meaning of your MBTI results, and you will have input into verifying their accuracy. You may decide to tell others what your type is, but that is up to you. Your results will only be given to you.
If you have any questions about this process, or any problems with the questionnaire, please contact me using the email or phone number given below.
[Your name and contact details]