What is the primary purpose of a pilot study?

The primary purpose of a pilot study is to test the research methodology before conducting the full study. This preliminary phase allows researchers to evaluate the feasibility, time, cost, risk, and adverse events involved in a study. By conducting a pilot study, researchers can identify potential issues, refine their data collection processes, and make necessary adjustments to improve the design and implementation of the main study.

Through a pilot study, researchers can determine whether their hypotheses can be effectively tested, whether the instruments they plan to use are valid and reliable, and whether their procedures are appropriate for the larger population they intend to study. This phase acts as a rehearsal for the full study, helping to ensure that it will be successful and produce meaningful results.