zwischenStudienHeterogenität

ZwischenStudie, sometimes written zwischenStudie, is a term used in German-language scholarly discourse to denote an intermediate, bridging study conducted between two larger research efforts. The designation is not standardized in international methodological handbooks, but it appears in project plans, grant proposals, and translational research discussions as a flexible label for small-scale investigations intended to inform later work. In practice, a zwischenStudie aims to reduce uncertainty and improve the design of subsequent studies without constituting a full-scale project in its own right.

Purposes commonly include testing data collection instruments, refining inclusion criteria, evaluating recruitment strategies, piloting measurement protocols, or gathering preliminary data on selected endpoints. A zwischenStudie often has a shorter timeframe and smaller sample size than the main study, and its findings should be treated as exploratory. Ethical oversight remains required, and preregistration or a clearly documented protocol is encouraged to minimize bias and improve integration with the forthcoming study.

Relation to other terms varies by field. It overlaps with feasibility and pilot studies but is typically distinct from interim analyses in clinical trials. Some researchers use zwischenStudie to describe bridging efforts across populations, settings, or time periods. Limitations include limited generalizability and potential bias if its scope is inadequately defined. When used, the term signals an intentional reconnaissance phase designed to enhance the rigor and efficiency of subsequent research.