Skip to main content

The 6 core building blocks of the impact survey

Understand the research and theory that power each question

Written by Marie Xhauflair

The impact survey is made up of six core building blocks, each grounded in behavioural research. Together, they measure the key predictors of whether learning leads to real-world change.

What the standard impact gives us: A universal, scientifically validated baseline that:


  • works for ANY programme topic


  • captures the key predictors of real behaviour change


  • enables meaningful before–after comparison


  • stays simple and low-friction for mobile users


1. Intro screen: setting the tone

Let’s have a quick check-in… Everyone’s experience at work is different, and that’s completely okay.

This intro slide isn’t just polite, it’s scientifically designed to encourage psychological safety and better data.

  • Theory:

    • Social Desirability Reduction (Podsakoff)

    • Psychological Safety Framing (Edmondson)

    • Transfer Design Best Practices (Grossman & Salas)

  • Why it matters:

    • Sets a neutral, non-judgmental tone

    • Reduces bias in responses

    • Prepares learners to answer honestly

Interpretation tip

No scoring here, but it influences quality of all other responses.


2. Task-specific confidence

How confident are you in handling situations related to [the focus of this programme]?

Measures how ready the learner feels to apply new skills in real-world scenarios.

  • Theory:

    • Self-Efficacy Theory (Bandura)

    • Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen)

    • Training Alignment (Grossman & Salas)

  • Why it matters:

    • Indicates readiness for skill transfer

    • Strong predictor of performance

    • Builds on learner confidence, a faster alternative to business metrics

🔎 Quick tips for analysis

  • If high: Learners feel capable and ready to act

  • If low: May signal lack of clarity, support, or training gaps

  • 💡 Use open-text feedback to find blockers or doubts


3. Behavioural frequency

In your last few [shifts/workdays], how often did you use your skills in situations related to [this programme]?

Looks at how often a skill is applied, because frequency beats yes/no answers in predicting behaviour.

  • Theory:

    • Behaviour Frequency Method (Podsakoff)

    • Experience Sampling / Past-Behaviour Prediction

    • Transfer Theory (Baldwin & Ford)

  • Why it matters:

    • More reliable than binary answers

    • Connects practice to real-world usage

    • Highlights early signs of application

Interpretation tip

  • If high: Learners are using skills consistently at work

  • If low: May indicate few opportunities, low relevance, or workflow barriers

  • 💡 Pair with role or team data to see where skills aren’t being used


4. Intention to apply skills

How likely are you to use [programme-related skills] in your upcoming shifts or workdays?

Intention is the single strongest predictor of behaviour change.

  • Theory:

    • Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen)

    • Transfer Motivation

    • Self-Efficacy Theory (Bandura)

  • Why it matters:

    • Best predictor of future skill use

    • Captures motivation to apply learning

    • Often improves before behaviours do

🔎 Quick tips for analysis

  • If high: Learners are motivated to apply learning

  • If low: May show doubts about usefulness or relevance

  • 💡 Track this before and after a boost or nudge to see impact


5. Perceived positive impact

How much do you feel this programme has improved your ability to make a positive impact at work?

Helps link learning to broader work outcomes like engagement and effectiveness.

  • Theory:

    • Perceived Impact Theory (Grant)

    • Prosocial Motivation Research

    • Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan)

  • Why it matters:

    • Predicts retention and job satisfaction

    • Connects skills to sense of purpose

    • Reinforces internal motivation to perform

🔎 Quick tips for analysis

  • If high: Learners see value in the programme and feel it matters

  • If low: May signal disconnect between training and role expectations

  • 💡 Use to prioritise which programmes need clearer impact framing


6. Open reflection

What’s one thing that would help you feel even more confident or effective in your role?

A reflective question that strengthens learning and uncovers unmet needs.

  • Theory:

    • Reflective Learning Theory (Schön)

    • Metacognition

    • Self-directed learning

    • Indirect bias reduction (Podsakoff)

  • Why it matters:

    • Encourages self-awareness and ownership

    • Strengthens consolidation and transfer

    • Provides qualitative insight for L&D or managers

🔎 Quick tips for analysis

Use to surface:

  • Hidden barriers to learning transfer

  • Gaps in support, tools, or confidence

  • Team-level trends across regions or roles


➕ Can I add more questions?

Yes. The default survey includes five validated questions, but you can add more based on your programme’s goals.

Did this answer your question?