Pilottikyselyjä

Pilottikyselyjä are preliminary surveys conducted before the main survey is launched. Their primary purpose is to test questionnaire design, question wording, and data collection procedures. By administering a small, representative sample, researchers can detect misunderstandings, ambiguous items, or technical problems that might compromise data quality. The term comes from Finnish, where “pilottikysely” translates literally to “pilot questioness” and refers to a trial run of a survey instrument.

A typical pilottikyselykäynnissä involves several steps. First, the questionnaire is drafted and reviewed by experts. Next, the pilot sample is selected, often at a size ranging from a few dozen to a few hundred respondents, depending on the scope of the study. Respondents complete the survey through the same mode as the planned full survey (online, phone, paper) and may receive incentives. After data collection, researchers analyze response patterns, completion times, missing data rates, and feedback from participants. The findings are used to revise question wording, reorder items, adjust skip logic, and ensure the survey functions smoothly.

Pilottikyselyjä are essential in many fields, including market research, public opinion polling, health surveys, and academic research. They reduce costly post‑launch revisions, improve data reliability, and enhance respondent experience. Best practices recommend involving a diverse pilot sample, conducting cognitive interviews if possible, and allocating enough time for iterative revisions. When executed correctly, a pilottikyselyjä can significantly increase the validity and efficiency of the subsequent full-scale survey.