Warning Label Safety Symbol Research

Appendix A: Cognitive interview instructions/booklets

Cognitive Interview: Facilitator Instructions
“This booklet/online survey contains numerous examples of graphical symbols. You might
encounter these on product labels, on machines, in workplaces, or in public areas. We want to
see how well each of the symbols communicates its intended message. You will be helping us do
this by writing down what you think each symbol means.”
“It is very important that you write down exactly what you believe is the intended message. If
your answer is too vague or general, we will not be able to determine whether the correct
message is getting across.”
“Open your booklet to page one/click on the link to the survey. These are examples of what you
will be seeing. Each page will have an illustration of a symbol that you might encounter on a
sign or label. There is a blank for you to write down/type exactly what you believe the symbol
means and another blank for you to write down/type the action that you believe should be taken
in response to this symbol.”
“This page shows you an example of both an inadequate and a good answer.”
“The first example is too brief and general. The second example shows a much better answer. It
describes the exact meaning of the symbol, and it is specific in telling just what actions should be
taken. Make sure that all of your answers are clear and precise, like the good example.”
“There are different kinds of graphical symbols in your booklets or surveys. Some may be
familiar to you, and others you may never have seen before. Just do the best you can for each,
and take an “educated guess,” if you are not sure of the meaning. Remember, the symbols are
being tested, not you! When you think about what the symbol might mean, remember that these
are typically found on signs or labels that could be encountered on products, on machines, or in
public places.”
“It is important that you work alone. Do not talk to anyone, or make comments out loud. Work
through the booklet/online survey one page at a time. Once you finish a page, do not go back
over it. There is no time limit, but try not to spend too much time on any particular symbol. If
you don’t know the meaning of a symbol, just make your best guess, and go on. When you have
completed the entire booklet/online survey, including the biographical items on the last page,
please inform me/close your browser.”
“Are there any questions before we begin?”
“Now please turn the page/click on the link to the survey, and begin. Remember to write/type
your responses clearly.”

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COGNITIVE INTERVIEW BOOKLET

Name (please print): _______________________________________________

Today’s Date: ____________________________________________

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EXAMPLE OF AN INADEQUATE ANSWER
Context: This symbol appears on appliances and machines used in the
home and workplace.

Exactly what do you think this symbol means?
Gears and hand

What action should you take in response to this symbol?
Be careful

What could happen if you ignore the symbol’s message?
Could get hurt

EXAMPLE OF A GOOD ANSWER
Context: This symbol appears on appliances and machines used in the
home and workplace.

Exactly what do you think this symbol means?
Caution. Moving Gears. Do not stick hand near machine while it is running.

What action should you take in response to this symbol?
I would stay away and not put my hand near the machine until someone stopped it.

What could happen if you ignore the symbol’s message?
My fingers or hand could be crushed by the moving gears.

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INSERT
GRAPHICAL
SYMBOL
HERE

INSERT PHOTOGRAPH
OF SAMPLEPRODUCT ON WHICH
THE SYMBOL MIGHT BE FOUND

[Note: See Appendix B for the to-be-tested symbols]

Context:
This symbol might appear on [Note: insert description of the context in which the symbol might be found here]

Exactly what do you think this symbol means?

What action should you take in response to this symbol?

What could happen if you ignore the symbol’s message?

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Biographical Information
Please answer the following questions about yourself:
Age: ____

Sex: ____ Male ____ Female

____ Prefer not to answer

Education: (check the option that best describes the highest level of education you have attained)
____ Some high school

____ High school degree

____ Some college

____ 2-year college degree ____ 4-year college degree ____ Master’s degree
____ Doctoral or professional degree
____ Other (please specify): _____________________________________________________

Marital Status:
____ Single

Children: ____ Yes

____ Married

____ Legally Separated

____ Divorced

____ No

(If yes: Please indicate in the space provided the number of children who live in your home,
either full-time or part-time, and their ages):

Ethnicity:
____ Hispanic or Latino

____ Not Hispanic or Latino

____ Prefer not to answer

Race: (select one or more)
____ American Indian or Alaska Native

____ Asian

____ Black or African American

____ Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

____ White

____ Prefer not to answer

Current occupation: ___________________________________________________

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