The Quantitative Research Process

Readings and Overview

Topic 1
Importance to Nursing

Topic 2
Defining the terms

Topic 3
The research setting

Topic 4
The research process

Topic 5
Pilot study

Topic 6
Research reports

Topic 7
Research critique

Topic 8
Critique phases

Web Assignment

References

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TOPIC 5:
The pilot study

Objective 5: Explain the purposes of a pilot study.

The pilot study is a type of research design. It is usually a smaller version of a proposed study that is undertaken for a variety of reasons, some of which are:

To assess feasibility of the study. This can include subject availability and researcher time and money
To develop or refine an intervention, treatment or protocol for implementing the intervention
To identify problems with the design
To determine representativeness of the sample and effectiveness of the sampling technique
To evaluate reliability and validity of the measurement methods
To develop or refine instruments used for data collection
To refine plans for data collection and analysis
To provide researcher with experience conducting all facets of the study design
To try out data analysis techniques

<>Conducting research is expensive, so, by conducting a pilot study, a researcher can identify and fix potential problems with any elements of the research design.