Pretesting is a critical tool for enhancing both reliability and validity in survey research. By conducting pilot studies, researchers can identify ambiguous or biased questions that may compromise measurement accuracy. Burns and Bush (2020) emphasize that pretests help uncover flaws in question wording, sequencing, and scaling that could mislead respondents or skew results. This proactive approach ensures that instruments measure the intended constructs consistently and credibly across various respondent groups.

Follow-up Question: How might pretesting a survey improve the likelihood of obtaining both valid and reliable results, and what specific adjustments might be made based on pilot feedback?