Piloting Questionnaires

As mentioned before, it is very important to pretest ("pilot") the questionnaire. The questionnaire should be piloted with a similar group of people to your intended subjects. The aim of a pilot survey is to obtain estimates about the expected response rates, data quality, validity and comprehensibility of the questionnaire (1).

It allows for highlighting problems such as inappropriate questions or ambiguity before starting the real survey. The effects of an alternative wording should be tested as well. A pilot questionnaire should also include questions about the overall impression of respondents and interviewers to include their comments. It might also be useful to ask non-respondents why they did not participate.

Often the pilot study leads to several amendments before the survey starts. Therefore, sufficient time should be allowed for this phase in the original time schedule of the study.

References

1. Silman AJ and Macfarlane GJ: Epidemiological studies. 2nd edition 2001, Cambridge. Pp 138-141

FEM PAGE CONTRIBUTORS 2007

Editors

Viviane Bremer

Original Author

Viviane Bremer

Contributors

Lisa Lazareck

Viviane Bremer