a pilot sample

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pilot sample" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in research or statistical contexts to refer to a small preliminary sample taken to test a process or methodology before a larger study is conducted. Example: "Before launching the full survey, we conducted a pilot sample to identify any potential issues with the questionnaire."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Baroness Grey-Thompson, a cross-bencher, will put an amendment to ensure that before the tests are rolled out in a hurry, parliament receives an independent report on a pilot sample, with a trial period.

The Guardian - Opinion

Further refinement of questions and methodology was undertaken using a pilot sample of doctors employed at St . Vincents Hospital Melbourne.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

We calculated the number of repetitions based on a pilot sample, using the following formula proposed by Jain (1991).

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

Factor analyses from a pilot sample (N = 63) of Head Start children revealed two self-regulation factors reflecting children's performance on tasks of impulse control and tasks of compliance/executive control.

Early Childhood Research Quarterly

The present paper offers a simplified sample size calculation based on the relationship between N and the ratio (CV/Δ 2, where CV is the variation coefficient of a pilot sample.

Scientia Horticulturae

Then, we defined 16 scenarios to calculate the sample composition using an algorithm that incorporated data from a pilot sample, estimates of cost, and prior specifications of the expected error and confidence level.

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The present study concerns the application of the Visman method in a pilot sampling exercise for the design and subsequent implementation of a tactical campaign in geochemical soil prospection.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration

The first landmark marine metagenome studies were published by the J Craig Venter Institute, beginning with a pilot sampling project in the Sargasso Sea followed by the Global Ocean Sampling (GOS) expedition [ 2].

GigaScience

Although effects of interference expectancy on behavioral performance were not statistically significant in the current sample, it should be noted that evidence was present in a prior pilot sample suggesting that the expectancy manipulation can affect interference control performance.

Plosone

Within a larger pilot sample of operations (42 elective orthopaedic procedures) the rate of glitches per operation ranged from 1 to 18, with an average of 8 per operation.

BMJ Open

The eight page questionnaire was anonymous and self-administered and was tested with an initial pilot sample of 50 children in three schools.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning a larger study, use "a pilot sample" to refine your methodology and identify potential issues before investing significant resources.

Common error

Avoid using "a pilot sample" as the sole basis for drawing definitive conclusions. It's designed for preliminary testing, not for robust statistical inference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pilot sample" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific subset of a larger group used for preliminary testing, as indicated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

90%

News & Media

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pilot sample" is a noun phrase commonly used in scientific and research contexts to describe a small, preliminary sample used for testing and refinement. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal settings. It's important to remember that the purpose of "a pilot sample" is to improve methodology, not to draw broad conclusions. Alternatives include "a preliminary sample" or "a test sample". Using "a pilot sample" effectively involves understanding its purpose and limitations within the research process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary sample

Focuses on the initial and preparatory nature of the sample.

a test sample

Highlights the sample's purpose for testing or experimentation.

a trial sample

Emphasizes the experimental and evaluative aspect of the sample.

an initial sample

Stresses the starting point of the sampling process.

a small-scale sample

Specifies the size and scope of the sample.

a feasibility sample

Implies that the sample is used to assess the practicality or viability of a larger study.

an exploratory sample

Emphasizes the investigative nature of the sample.

a prototype sample

Connects the sample to a prototype or preliminary model.

a validation sample

Suggests the sample is used to validate a method or tool.

a limited sample

Underscores the restricted or constrained size of the sample.

FAQs

What is the purpose of using "a pilot sample"?

The purpose of using "a pilot sample" is to test and refine research methods, questionnaires, or interventions on a small scale before implementing them in a larger study. It helps identify potential problems and improve the overall quality of the research.

How does "a pilot sample" differ from a regular sample?

"A pilot sample" is smaller and used for preliminary testing, while a regular sample is larger and intended to provide data for drawing conclusions about a population. The pilot sample focuses on methodology; the regular sample focuses on statistical representation.

What can I say instead of "a pilot sample"?

You can use alternatives like "a preliminary sample", "a test sample", or "a trial sample" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a pilot sample" in research?

It is appropriate to use "a pilot sample" during the planning stages of a research project, particularly when using new or untested methodologies, questionnaires, or interventions. It helps ensure the feasibility and effectiveness of the research design before a full-scale study is conducted.