Chapter 11: Cognitive Interviewing and Pilot Studies

Surveys can be used in education research for a variety of purposes. A survey data collection can provide researchers with information to better understand an issue, assess the effectiveness of programs, test hypotheses, and more. Surveys can require collecting information from a broad array of respondents, such as educators, administrators, parents, and students. Given the importance of accurate data to support research goals, careful attention to data collection methodology and the quality of the survey instruments are vital to a study’s success. Knowing how to conduct cognitive interviews and pilot studies after a survey questionnaire is drafted will be useful to ensure that the questionnaire will serve the research goals of the study.