1. PILOT/FEASIBILITY STUDIES Dr Zowie Davy zdavy@lincoln.ac.uk

2. ACTION LEARNING SET/RESEARCHING WITH NO FUNDS Introduce some positives about doing pilot studies prior to embarking on a funding bid From the list I would like you to discuss what barriers/facilitator there are within the university that may enable you to succeed Discuss strategies that you will put in place to overcome barriers (if possible) to start the pilot/feasibility study Discuss strategies that you will take advantage of to facilitate the pilot/feasibility study

3. BENEFITS-LARGER STUDY’S SUCCESS Designing a research protocol Testing whether the protocol is workable Testing the adequacy of research instrument/analytical approach Developing the research question(s) and research plan Assessing recruitment/collection strategy approaches Establishing whether the sampling/textual/etc. frame and technique are effective Identifying logistical problems which might occur using proposed methods Determining what resources (finance/staff/etc.) are needed for a larger study Clearer understanding of the feasibility of a (full-scale) study

4. BENEFITS-FUTURE FUNDING Convincing funding bodies that the research(er) (team) is competent and knowledgeable Convincing funding bodies that a larger study is feasible and worth funding Convincing other stakeholders that a larger study is worth supporting

5. BENEFITS-PERSONAL GROWTH Designing a research protocol Developing the research question(s) and research plan Determining what resources (finance/staff/etc.) are needed for a larger study Collecting data Practising research skills Being a lead research (usually the only one, unless managing RA on project)

6. BENEFITS-BEING RESEARCH ACTIVE Perhaps: Conference paper Research bid Publication

7. BARRIERS/FACILITATORS Have a discussion about whether pilot studies in your areas are possible What are the barriers? What will be facilitating?