What is the advantage of using a pilot study in research?

A pilot study is a small-scale preliminary study conducted before the main research project. The primary advantage of conducting a pilot study lies in its ability to allow researchers to test and modify procedures before executing full-scale research. This process helps identify potential issues with the research design, such as measuring instruments, recruitment processes, or study protocols. By uncovering these issues early, researchers can refine their methods to enhance the overall effectiveness and reliability of the main study.

For instance, if a pilot study reveals that certain questions in a survey are confusing or that participants struggle with the procedure, researchers can adjust their approach before embarking on a larger investigation. This not only improves the quality of data collected but also saves time and resources in the long run.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of pilot studies. While pilot studies aim to improve the accuracy of research methods, they do not guarantee results will always be accurate. Moreover, while ethical compliance is critical in research, pilot studies themselves do not inherently ensure this compliance; it is the responsibility of the researchers to adhere to ethical standards. Lastly, pilot studies typically involve a smaller sample size, which is not intended to ensure a higher sample size, but rather to test feasibility and methods effectively before expanding to a larger population.