A pilot study is a small preliminary version of a future main research project conducted before the definitive large-scale study. It functions as a “trial run” designed to evaluate whether the planned study is feasible, scientifically appropriate, methodologically organized, and practically achievable.
The primary purpose of a pilot study is not to prove final effectiveness or establish definitive conclusions. Instead, it aims to identify:
before large amounts of time, funding, and resources are invested in the definitive study.
Pilot studies are commonly used in: