Is there any Correlation between Users' Star Ratings and Usability?
Sara K. Al-Jeri, Abdulmohsen Saud Albesher · 2022
Millions of users rely on star ratings to decide which app is the best. However, it is not clear if there is a correlation between star ratings and how usable the apps are. In other words, there is a need to study if a better star rating means a better level of usability. The current study conducted an experimental study with 30 participants who were given three different apps with different star ratings (low-medium and high). Three sessions were recorded for every participant. In every session, an array of three tasks was performed. During each session of the usability experiment, quantitative data about the time taken to complete each task, task success, and the number of errors was collected to evaluate the factors: efficiency and effectiveness. After each session, the participant evaluated the app by answering a System Usability Scale (SUS) survey to evaluate the satisfaction factor. The results showed no correlation between user star rating and the usability of the tested apps. Additionally, the results showed no correlation between user star rating and any of the tested factors taken separately.