This the last crucial step before launching the survey. You want the survey to be error-free, nicely formatted and ideally tested through a pilot study.

• Check for:
  • Typos;
  • Complexity;
  • Assumptions;
  • Biased wording;
  • Double negatives;
  • Unclearness;
  • Inappropriate wording for audience.
• Format well:
  • Create a smooth layout with clear instructions.
  • Make sure survey goals are consistent with research goals.
    • Are all the variables of interest accounted for in the survey design?
    • Is every question necessary?
  • Avoid questions having certain answers filled in as it may provide unnecessary skew.
  • Check for internet browser compatibility for web-based surveys.
• Test it!
  • Allows researcher to uncover “hidden” opinions in the population of interest.
  • Helps determine strength of the survey, if more questions are needed, if any questions are unnecessary or unclear.
  • Mock analysis conducted with preliminary data can be useful in finding holes in research.
• Field testing steps:
  1. ​​Talk to people in population of interest to get a feel for opinions on the topic.
  2. Create the survey according to guidelines.
  3. Administer survey to a handful of people in population of interest.
  4. Analyze the data to determine if there are gaps in research goals.
  5. Redesign survey elements if appropriate.