Having designed questionnaire/survey it is necessary to carry out pilot test/study.
This enables any defects/problems/ambiguities in structure and questions, including leading questions, to be identified before it is circulated to full sample of respondents.
Pilot study undertaken in two phases:
- Asking colleagues for their opinion
- Using sample population from intended population. Would be unethical to run pilot study with group who will not be part of study.
By using a sample it is possible to determine whether responses are clear and/or appropriate. Any adjustments to questions could then be made. A trial run of the analysis of the results should be undertaken to ensure that they are meaningful/useful.