Skip to main content

Say-Do Gap Diagnostic

Jason Hreha· Updated January 31, 2026

Use this when surveys or interviews diverge from observed behavior.

See also: Say-Do Gap (explainer).

  1. Is prior behavior available
    • Yes: condition on prior behavior for recruitment and segmentation.
    • No: proceed to context sampling.
  2. Can you observe in natural context
    • Yes: field observation or shadowing.
    • No: instrument a pilot or diary study with time-stamped events.
  3. Can you run a small field experiment
    • Yes: A/B a minimal intervention in real workflows.
    • No: use choice-based tasks that mimic constraints, then validate in the field.
  4. When to ignore self-report
    • Aspirational answers, sensitive topics, or high social desirability.

Output: a short memo with your method choice, constraints, and expected Δ-B window.

See also