A pre-test is a small-scale replica of the major study, and is predominantly used to check eventual ‘mechanical’ problems of the study.
A pre-test aims to establish the suitability and effectiveness of a particular research instrument.
A pilot study aims, among other things, to gain information about how diverse the target or survey population is.
Pilot studies are very useful, particularly with regard to qualitative research.
Padding questions are those used to provide respondents a kind of a breather.
The question ‘Don’t you also think that education should be free?’ is a contingency question.
Probes are questions used to encourage the respondent to complete, amplify or expand an answer.
Primary questions are those that are being asked first.
The question ‘Don’t you also think that exams should be abolished?’ is a padding question.
Questions that are used to encourage respondents to complete, amplify or expand their answer are termed probes.
Accurate response sets should address the central point of the question, be relevant, and be related to the essence of the question.
Feminist and qualitative researchers do not use questionnaires in their research.