The survey design process involves several crucial steps, and conducting a pilot test is one of them. If you’re looking for its explanation and benefits, we’ll give them to you. Discover how pilot testing in research allows researchers to identify potential problems and fine-tune questions before launching their survey to a larger sample. You’ll explore the pros and cons of pilot studies, key steps in conducting a successful one, and valuable tips that will help you plan your research project to a tee.

What Is Pilot Testing in a Survey Research?

Pilot testing is small-scale study researchers conduct before administering the actual survey to test the validity of questions and data collection method. Therefore, a researcher uses it to examine the questions’ effectiveness and determine whether the survey is likely to succeed.

TL;DR: Pilot testing ensures that the survey is easy to understand and free of biases or errors.

Pilot Testing vs. Pretesting

People often confuse pilot testing with pretesting. Although both are important for ensuring the study’s effectiveness, there’s one key distinction between them. A pilot calls for conducting the survey in its entirety, while pretesting involves examining certain components only. For instance, you can use the latter to identify issues in the questionnaire’s tone, structure, or design.

How To Conduct a Pilot Test

You must carry out the pilot test under standard survey conditions and pay close attention to each step of the process. Follow these instructions to perform a successful test.

• Choose each participant carefully, and make sure they fit your research’s target population. Pay attention to the following factors: their age, gender, education, income, and location.
• Get your respondents together, if possible, and observe their behavior. It’s a very helpful method that allows you to see how comfortable they are throughout the survey and when they pause or hesitate.
• Test the average time respondents take to complete each question and the entire survey. If the survey takes more time than expected, it means that it’s probably too lengthy or complex for your audience; find a way to simplify it.
• Test the question flow, order, and type to ensure the survey is clear and easy to understand. If respondents need clarification, provide inaccurate answers, or repeat information, you should change the order of questions, rephrase them, or include an explanation.
• Seek feedback from the respondents, supervisors, and observers. Make sure everyone contributes and shares their opinions or concerns so that you discover the areas that require improvements.
• Collect all the data for analysis, and use it to make necessary changes and improvements. The data refers to participants’ answers, everyone’s feedback, and your notes (remember to take them during the survey).
• Repeat the process if necessary. Feel free to conduct another pilot test after revisions to ensure the survey is ready for a larger audience.

Be sure to complete all the steps; each point is essential for an effective test that will lead to a successful survey.

Pros & Cons

Here are the three key benefits of survey pilot testing in research: 

• Identifying potential issues with your study design or methodology;
• Avoiding any ethical problems that could occur from conducting a flawed study; 
• Getting valuable feedback and using it to improve the final research.

On the negative side, the entire process takes a lot of time and resources. Plus, a successful pilot test doesn’t guarantee that issues won’t arise again, so you may have to repeat the process down the line and delay the start of your project.

Is It Always Necessary?

Pilot testing is not necessary for every survey; it depends on the sample size and type of questions. 

For instance, smaller and less complex surveys usually don’t require such testing. On the other hand, if you’re conducting a study that’s supposed to reach a larger audience, we recommend doing a pilot test. That way, you’ll determine an appropriate number or structure of your questions and avoid biased answers.

Final Thoughts

Although some researchers find pilot testing unnecessary, it’s undoubtedly an excellent way to ensure the validity of your data and the effectiveness of your research. It may seem pricey and time-consuming, but it actually saves money in the long run since it prevents problems later down the line.

Don’t hesitate to conduct a pilot study and ensure your research yields positive results. We also suggest you start your free trial with us, create a perfect survey after the pilot test, and organize your data quickly and effectively.

Fill out this form if you have any questions or concerns, and one of our support team members will get back to you as soon as possible.