Pilot Survey

Pilot survey is a small-scale replica of the main survey, which goes beyond pre-tests by linking documents and procedure, which have already been individually pre-tested. It is a systematic and integrated inquiry in the form of a miniature or preliminary survey. A pilot survey is often compared with a theatrical dress rehearsal, which, before a final theater is staged. The pilot survey is designed to help the planners to clarify many of the problems left unsolved by pre-test operations. A pilot survey nearly always results in considerable improvement to the survey documents leading to a general increase in the efficiency of the survey. A well-planned pilot survey also offers an opportunity to the researchers on the basis of its results, as to whether the main survey still worth to carry out. Many standard designs require some prior or supplementary knowledge of the population elements to allow estimation based on sample observations. Pilot survey is a neat solution to the problem in such instances. In post-stratification, prior knowledge of the stratum, weight is needed for the estimation purpose. In sample size determination with SRS, we need some quessed values of p and s.


Pilot study might provide us with such values to determine. Since the pilot survey is the researchers last safe guard against the possibility that the main inquiry may be ineffective, its size and designed should be also so planned that it fulfills the above functions and the sample should ideally be of a comparable structure to that of the main survey.