What is the primary purpose of conducting a pilot study?

The primary purpose of conducting a pilot study is to test feasibility, time, cost, and design of a research project. Pilot studies are small-scale preliminary studies that enable researchers to identify any issues in the research methodology before committing to a full-scale experiment. They help in evaluating whether the study design is practical and can be effectively implemented, as well as allowing the researcher to assess the logistics involved, including resource allocation, recruitment strategies, and the overall timeline of the research process.

By refining these aspects through a pilot study, researchers can make necessary adjustments to improve the validity and reliability of their findings in the main study. This preparatory step ultimately enhances the quality of the research outcomes and ensures better resource management.