How can surveys be tested for bugs or errors prior to distribution?

Testing surveys for bugs or errors before distribution is crucial to ensure data quality and participant experience. Using the "Preview" function and conducting pilot tests allows you to interact with the survey as if you are a participant. This step helps to identify issues such as formatting problems, branching logic errors, and unclear questions directly in the survey interface.

The "Preview" function provides a comprehensive view of how the survey will appear to respondents, which helps to ensure that all elements function as intended. Conducting pilot tests with a small group can also reveal insights about question clarity and survey flow, allowing for adjustments based on real user feedback. This method directly assesses the operational aspects of the survey and is essential for refining it before wider distribution.

While having peers review the survey, creating dummy responses, and comparing it with past surveys have their merits and can contribute to the testing process, they do not provide the same hands-on experience and immediate feedback that comes from actively using the survey in its intended form. Thus, the combination of utilizing the "Preview" function and conducting pilot tests is the most effective approach for identifying potential bugs or errors before launching a survey.