1. Ian F. C. Smith Pilot study design

2. 2 Disclaimer This is mostly opinion. Suggestions are incomplete. There are other methods.

3. Why do a pilot study ? Pilot studies are useful for Obtaining a better definition of the challenge Demonstrating competence to do more detailed work Ensuring a successful research grant application Contributing to a successful thesis candidacy exam Convincing industry partners to join your project 3

4. Determine the scope The ideal pilot study should touch all key aspects of the research. Examples of key aspects are Testing Experimental design, without doing comprehensive tests Comparison with other work Numerical modelling First proposals of a methodological framework While results from good pilot studies could become the content of a first journal publication, this should not be the main goal. 4

5. Typical conclusions Typical conclusions of a successful pilot study are The challenge of the larger study has been adequately defined The proposed larger study is feasible There is potential for interesting research (Researchers are capable) This is not stated explicitly. It is only implied. The results obtained during a pilot study do not need to be conclusive. Occasionally, they are not reported at all in the final report. 5