A researcher conducts a pilot study before the main study is conducted. Why might the researcher choose to do this? (Select all that apply.)
a. The researcher has no idea whether subjects will complete the various phases of the study.
b. The researcher needs to know how much of a change will occur in the dependent variable, so that sample size can be determined.
c. The researcher isn't sure whether the fourth phase of the study is really necessary.
d. The study site is a new one, and the researcher wants to find out whether it's suitable for this kind of research.
e. The researcher has insufficient funding for a large study.
f. The researcher isn't sure whether the tool he or she is using to measure the dependent variable will be practical.
ANS: A, B, C, D, F
A pilot study is commonly defined as a smaller version of a proposed study conducted to refine the methodology. It is developed much like the proposed study, using similar subjects, the same setting, the same treatment, and the same data collection and analysis techniques. Some of the reasons for conducting pilot studies are to determine feasibility, to develop a treatment or intervention, to develop an implementation protocol, to identify problems with the design, to evaluate the sampling method, to examine instrument reliability or validity, to refine instruments, to refine plans for data collection and analysis, to provide research experience, and to evaluate data analysis techniques.
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