Pilot (experiment)
Encyclopedia
A pilot experiment, also called a pilot study, is a small scale preliminary study conducted in order to evaluate feasibility, time, cost, adverse events, and effect size (statistical variability) in an attempt to predict an appropriate sample size and improve upon the study design prior to performance of a full-scale research project. Pilot studies, therefore, may not be appropriate for case studies. They are frequently carried out before large-scale quantitative research
, in an attempt to avoid time and money being wasted on an inadequately designed project. A pilot study is usually carried out on members of the relevant population, but not on those who will form part of the final sample. This is because it may influence the later behavior of research subjects if they have already been involved in the research.
A pilot experiment is often used to test the design of the full-scale experiment which then can be adjusted. It is a potentially valuable insight and should anything be missing in the pilot study it can be added to the full-scale (and more expensive) experiment to improve the chances of a clear outcome.
Often in engineering
applications, pilot experiments are used to sell a product and provide quantitative proof that the system has potential to succeed on a full scale basis. Pilot experiments are also used to reduce cost, as they are less expensive than full experiments. If there is not enough reason to provide full scale applications, pilots can generally provide this proof.
In sociology
, pilot studies can be referred to as small-scale studies that will help identify design issues before the main research is done.
Although pilot experiments have a well-established tradition in public action, their usefulness as a strategy for change has been questioned, at least in the domain of environmental management. It is argued that extrapolation from a pilot study to large scale environmental strategy cannot be assumed to be possible, partly due to the exceptional resources and favourable conditions that often accompanies a pilot study.
Quantitative research
In the social sciences, quantitative research refers to the systematic empirical investigation of social phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to...
, in an attempt to avoid time and money being wasted on an inadequately designed project. A pilot study is usually carried out on members of the relevant population, but not on those who will form part of the final sample. This is because it may influence the later behavior of research subjects if they have already been involved in the research.
A pilot experiment is often used to test the design of the full-scale experiment which then can be adjusted. It is a potentially valuable insight and should anything be missing in the pilot study it can be added to the full-scale (and more expensive) experiment to improve the chances of a clear outcome.
Often in engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
applications, pilot experiments are used to sell a product and provide quantitative proof that the system has potential to succeed on a full scale basis. Pilot experiments are also used to reduce cost, as they are less expensive than full experiments. If there is not enough reason to provide full scale applications, pilots can generally provide this proof.
In sociology
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society. It is a social science—a term with which it is sometimes synonymous—which uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity...
, pilot studies can be referred to as small-scale studies that will help identify design issues before the main research is done.
Although pilot experiments have a well-established tradition in public action, their usefulness as a strategy for change has been questioned, at least in the domain of environmental management. It is argued that extrapolation from a pilot study to large scale environmental strategy cannot be assumed to be possible, partly due to the exceptional resources and favourable conditions that often accompanies a pilot study.
See also
- Mass productionMass productionMass production is the production of large amounts of standardized products, including and especially on assembly lines...
- Mock-up
- Pilot plantPilot plantA pilot plant is a small chemical processing system which is operated to generate information about the behavior of the system for use in design of larger facilities....
- PrototypePrototypeA prototype is an early sample or model built to test a concept or process or to act as a thing to be replicated or learned from.The word prototype derives from the Greek πρωτότυπον , "primitive form", neutral of πρωτότυπος , "original, primitive", from πρῶτος , "first" and τύπος ,...
- Prototyping
- Dry run (testing)