a pilot study of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pilot study of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in research contexts to refer to a preliminary study conducted to evaluate feasibility, time, cost, and adverse events involved in a research project. Example: "The researchers conducted a pilot study of the new drug to assess its effectiveness before proceeding with a larger trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The trial follows a pilot study of the implants that impressed doctors in 2010.

The Guardian

Grossman, M. et al. A pilot study of ex vivo gene therapy for homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Nature

A pilot study of acupuncture monotherapy in patients with major depressive disorder.

Harvard University

A Pilot Study of Autism-Specific Care Plans During Hospital Admission.

Harvard University

Chapter 5 is a pilot study of the transition probabilities between the states of quantum systems.

Stanford University

Harden, C.L. et al. A pilot study of mood in epilepsy patients treated with vagus nerve stimulation.

Nature

A pilot study of less invasive surfactant administration in very preterm infants in a Chinese tertiary center.

Nature

The researchers published the results of a pilot study of 10 patients in January in the journal Psychiatry Research.

The New York Times - Science

A pilot study of sleep, cognition, and respiration under 4 weeks of intermittent nocturnal hypoxia in adult humans.

Harvard University

She is the coPI for the NIH funded study: A pilot study of biomass smoke and childhood leukemia.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Characterization of occupational exposures to cleaning products used for common cleaning tasks-a pilot study of hospital cleaners.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a pilot study, clearly state its objectives, scope, and limitations to set realistic expectations for its outcomes.

Common error

Avoid generalizing the findings of "a pilot study of" to a larger population, as pilot studies typically involve small sample sizes and are primarily for feasibility testing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pilot study of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or refers to a preliminary research investigation. It is used to describe a small-scale study conducted before a larger one, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Academia

35%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pilot study of" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote a preliminary investigation conducted before a larger research endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence, particularly within scientific and academic contexts. When using this phrase, clearly define the study's objectives and limitations to ensure appropriate interpretation of the results. Remember, Ludwig is here to help you refine your writing!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary investigation into

Focuses on the investigative aspect, emphasizing early-stage research.

an exploratory analysis of

Highlights the analytical nature and the exploration of new areas.

a feasibility study regarding

Emphasizes assessing the viability and practicality of a project.

a trial run concerning

Suggests a practical test to observe performance before full implementation.

an initial assessment of

Focuses on the act of evaluating something at its beginning.

a proof-of-concept study on

Highlights the aim of demonstrating that a concept is feasible.

a formative evaluation of

Indicates an evaluation conducted during the development or improvement phase.

a dry run pertaining to

Implies a rehearsal or practice session without the real resources.

a shakedown test relating to

Suggests a test to discover faults before a major operation.

a scoping review regarding

Focuses on mapping the existing literature on a topic.

FAQs

How can "a pilot study of" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a pilot study of" to describe a small-scale preliminary study conducted to evaluate feasibility, duration, cost, risk, and effect size in an attempt to predict an appropriate sample size and improve upon the study design prior to performance of a full-scale research project. For example: "We conducted "a pilot study of" the new teaching method to assess its effectiveness."

What are some synonyms for "a pilot study of"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary investigation into", "an exploratory analysis of", or "a feasibility study regarding", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a pilot study of" and "a full-scale study of"?

"A pilot study of" is a small, preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility of a larger study, while "a full-scale study of" is a comprehensive investigation with a larger sample size and more rigorous methodology, aimed at drawing definitive conclusions.

Why is it important to conduct "a pilot study of" before a larger research project?

Conducting "a pilot study of" helps identify potential problems with the research design, methodology, and data collection procedures, allowing for necessary adjustments before investing significant resources in a full-scale study.