pilotkokeilusta

Pilotkokeilu, often translated as a pilot study or pilot experiment, refers to a small-scale preliminary study conducted to evaluate feasibility, duration, cost, and adverse events and to refine the methodology of a larger study. The purpose of a pilotkokeilu is to identify any potential problems in the design of a full-scale study before it is implemented. This allows researchers to make necessary adjustments to their protocols, questionnaires, data collection methods, or other aspects of the research.

Pilot studies are crucial in various fields, including medicine, social sciences, and engineering. In medical research, a pilot study might test the safety and efficacy of a new drug or treatment on a small group of participants before a larger clinical trial. In social sciences, it can help refine survey questions to ensure clarity and relevance, or test the feasibility of a new intervention program. The findings from a pilotkokeilu can inform decisions about whether to proceed with a larger study, and if so, how to best design and conduct it. It helps to avoid wasting resources on a study that may be flawed. The results of a pilotkokeilu are generally not intended to provide definitive answers to the research question but rather to inform the design of a more robust subsequent study.