Dr. Cynthia Parshall is the Principal Consultant with Touchstone Consulting, where she focuses on the design of innovative assessment formats, including everything from alternative item types (AITs) to the use of virtual reality and the design of simulation-based tests (SBTs). Cynthia has decades of experience in both quantitative and qualitative research. She's helped numerous testing organizations with user-oriented research tools, such as think-aloud usability sessions, interview protocols, focus group facilitation, and survey design. She has a passion for good usability and effective communication.