A pilot study is utilized to evaluate the validity of questionnaire and reliability of quantitative data which is collected (Saunders et al 2009). Also, it is utilized for checking errors and problems from its structure; logical problem; and reasons the target respondents skip all or part of the questionnaire (Gilbert 2001; Bryman and Bell, 2007).
The pilot test of this questionnaire has two main purposes. Firstly, the researcher wants to avoid the problem of communication, language. The prototype of questionnaire is English version. Hence, the translation to Thai of the questionnaire must be valid. Secondly, the researcher also wants to avoid the problem of communication misunderstanding. Some of questions can be misunderstood from the respondents’ perspective. Therefore, the pilot can help the researcher enhance and refine the unclear questions.
The pilot test of this questionnaire was conducted by 20 Thais who consume and buy swine products in Thailand. The test was quite successful with only minor problems due to some of unclear questions. As a result, the researcher decided to edit some of unclear questions as well as add some for the completeness of the questionnaire.