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The 6 core building blocks of the impact survey

Understand the research and theory that power each question

Marie Xhauflair avatar
Written by Marie Xhauflair
Updated over 2 weeks ago

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.

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