What is the values of a test or pilot survey?

Answer 1

Here are some of the benefits:

1. Unless you have sampled the same population before, for the same kinds of information, you will not know the level of variation to expect in the data. Therefore you would not know how much data to collect to be able to ensure sufficient precision in the statistics that you obtain.
2. Usually some unexpected pitfalls occur in performing surveys. It is better to learn how to resolve these when fewer survey workers and smaller costs in other areas are involved.
3. Collecting survey data involves the use of a survey instrument of some kind, even if it's only a paper questionnaire. It's advisable to resolve 'bugs' in the survey instrument before doing the real survey in order to get valid results.