A questionnaire is a tool used by researchers to collect data from respondents, while a schedule is an arrangement of questions and spaces for responses that is filled out by an enumerator interviewing respondents. Questionnaires have a lower response rate than schedules and can cover a larger area but depend more on the quality of the questionnaire. A schedule requires an enumerator to conduct interviews so the respondent's identity is known, while a questionnaire respondent's identity remains unknown. The success of a questionnaire relies on its quality, while a schedule relies on the enumerator's honesty and competence. A pilot study is a small preliminary study used to test aspects of a planned research design and identify issues before finalizing the design. It allows researchers to address problems

1. ◤
QUESTIONNAIRE vs SCHEDULE

2. ◤
Meaning:
A questionnaire is a research instrument used by any researcher as
a tool to collect data or gather information from any source or
subject of his or her interest from the respondents.
A schedule is a formalized arrangement of inquiries, proclamations,
statements, and spaces for replies given to the enumerators who
pose inquiries to the respondents and note down the responses.

3. ◤
Filled by:
A questionnaire is filled by the respondents
A schedule is filled by an enumerator.

4. ◤
Response Rate:
The response rate of a questionnaire is low
The response rate of a schedule is high.
Cost:
It is economical in terms of time, effort, and money.
It is expensive in terms of time, effort, and money.

5. ◤
Coverage:
A large area can be covered through a questionnaire.
Comparatively small areas can be covered through a schedule.
Usage:
A questionnaire is used only when the people are literate and cooperative.
A schedule can be used in both cases when people are literate and illiterate

6. ◤
Respondent’s Identity:
The identity of the respondent is unknown.
As the enumerator visits the informant personally, his identity is
known

7. ◤
Dependency of Success:
The success of a questionnaire depends upon its quality.
The success of a schedule depends upon the honesty and
competence of the enumerator.

8. ◤
Similarities Between Questionnaire and
Schedule
▪ Both questionnaires and schedules are data collection tools.
▪ Questionnaires and schedules consist of a set of questions to
be asked from the respondents.

9. ◤
PILOT STUDY

10. Small study conducted in advance of a planned project, specifically to test
aspects of the research design (such as stimulus material) and to allow
necessary adjustment before final commitment to the design.
It involves selecting a few people and trying out the study on them. It is
possible to save time and, in some cases, money by identifying any
flaws in the procedures designed by the researcher.

11. A pilot study can help the researcher spot any ambiguities
(i.e., unusual things), confusion in the information given to
participants, or problems with the task devised.

12. ◤
ADVANTAGES
▪ By identifying and addressing issues in the pilot study, researchers
can reduce errors and risks in the main study. This increases the
reliability and validity of the main study’s results.
▪ Assessing the practicality and feasibility of the main study
▪ Testing the efficacy of research instruments
▪ Identifying and addressing any weaknesses or logistical problems
▪ Collecting preliminary data
▪ Estimating the time and costs required for the project
▪ Determining what resources are needed for the study

13. ◤
▪ Identifying the necessity to modify procedures that do not elicit
useful data
▪ Adding credibility and dependability to the study
▪ Pretesting the interview format
▪ Enabling researchers to develop consistent practices and
familiarize themselves with the procedures in the protocol
▪ Addressing safety issues and management problems

14. ◤
DISADAVANTAGES
▪ Require extra costs, time, and resources.
▪ Do not guarantee the success of the main study.
▪ Contamination (ie: if data from the pilot study or pilot
participants are included in the main study results).
▪ Funding bodies may be reluctant to fund a further study if the
pilot study results are published.
▪ Do not have the power to assess treatment effects due to small
sample size.