This chapter is relatively short but very important! At this stage in the survey process, we have a questionnaire and a sample of respondents to whom we wish to administer the questionnaire. It would therefore seem appropriate to go ahead and do just that. However, as shown in the survey process diagram (), it is wise, if not essential, to first perform a pilot survey before embarking on the main survey.

This chapter on Pilot Surveys covers the folowing topics:

6.1        WHY A PILOT SURVEY?
               6.1.1        A Test of ALL Aspects of Survey Design
               6.1.2        A Need for Several Tests

6.2        USES OF THE PILOT SURVEY
               6.2.1        Adequacy of the Sampling Frame
               6.2.2        Variability of Parameters Within the Survey Population
               6.2.3        Non-Response Rate
               6.2.4        Method of Data Collection
               6.2.5        "Skirmishing" of Question Wording
               6.2.6        Layout of the Questionnaire
               6.2.7        Adequacy of the Questionnaire in General
               6.2.8        Efficiency of Interviewer and Administrator Training
               6.2.9        Data Entry, Editing and Analysis Procedures
               6.2.10        Cost and Duration of Survey
               6.2.11        Efficiency of Survey Organisation

6.3        SIZE OF THE PILOT SURVEY