small-scale research

USAGE SUMMARY

'small-scale research' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to research or a study that is conducted on a limited scale or scope. For example, "We conducted a small-scale research project to test the effectiveness of the new system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Giving civil servants opportunities to contribute to small-scale research, improving practitioners' capability for scientific reasoning, and increasing researchers' competence to increase the societal relevance of their research, can be made part of their performance, monitored by their manager and guided by senior academics.

Health Research Policy and Systems

The grant-making structure of their field and of the institutions in which they were trained means that small-scale research grants of less than $50,000 — the kind that could support new researchers with untested, independent ideas — are limited.

The New York Times

In December 1940, Japan's leading nuclear scientist, Nishina Yoshio, undertook a small-scale research effort supported by the armed forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some small-scale research done recently with local young people shows that this sense of rejection and being 'second best' is still a major issue locally.

The Guardian

The underground enrichment facility at Fordow would be converted to a small-scale research and development centre under constant IAEA inspection.

The Guardian

One research development program that has Boeing's interest – and investment dollars – involves efforts in the United Arab Emirates, where a small-scale research project is preparing to break ground in super-green Masdar City, outside Abu Dhabi.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Underground enrichment site at Fordow – a small-scale research-and-development centre would be allowed under strict IAEA supervision Transparency – Iran would accept a permanent IAEA presence at its nuclear facilities, while the agency would be able to inspect undeclared sites for signs of nuclear activity and monitor centrifuge-making plants.

The Guardian

The Integument program allows students at Hopkins to become familiar with small-scale, research-based industry, giving them the opportunity both to explore their own professional desires and to evaluate a company's prospects in a future job search.

Science Magazine

Both the breadth and depth of social care research need to be improved; Clark says that, "In adult social care [compared to healthcare] we tend to see a smaller pool of researchers looking to do smaller scale research projects, with far fewer disciplines involved".

The Guardian

The Zero G Corporation can fly simple experiments for just a few thousand dollars, and NASA is funding small scale research and education under its Flight Opportunities programme https://flightopportunities.nasa.gov/.Passenger prices are only a little higher.

The Economist

This small scale research project serves two purposes.

Language Testing in Asia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small-scale research" when the size or resources devoted to the research are limited, ensuring transparency and context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid generalizing results from "small-scale research" to broader populations without acknowledging the limitations of the study's size and scope. Clearly state that findings may not be representative.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "small-scale research" is to act as a descriptor for the type of research being conducted. The phrase modifies the noun "research", indicating that it is limited in scope or size. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples of the phrase being used to describe various research projects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small-scale research" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to characterize research projects that are limited in scope or size. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s found predominantly in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the appropriate level of generalization based on the study's limitations. Alternative phrases such as "limited research" or "preliminary investigation" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember that, while versatile, the term should be used accurately to reflect the true scope and potential impact of the research.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited research

Focuses on the restricted nature of the research.

modest research project

Highlights the limited ambition and scope of the research.

pilot study

Implies an initial, exploratory study to test feasibility.

preliminary investigation

Suggests an early-stage inquiry before a more extensive study.

focused study

Emphasizes a narrow or specific area of investigation.

narrow scope investigation

Highlights the limited range and details of the investigation.

small study

A more generic way to indicate the sample size of the research.

targeted research

Highlights the specific objectives and the community served by the research.

basic research

Highlights the main elements and information collected through research.

exploratory research

Indicates the research seeks to discover and explore new topics and interests.

FAQs

How can I use "small-scale research" in a sentence?

You might say, "The team conducted "small-scale research" to determine the initial feasibility of the project", or "Small-scale research is often used as a starting point for larger investigations".

What's the difference between "small-scale research" and a pilot study?

While both involve limited scope, "small-scale research" is a broader term. A pilot study is a specific type of "small-scale research" conducted to test the feasibility of a larger, more comprehensive study.

What are some alternatives to "small-scale research"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "limited research", "preliminary investigation", or "focused study".

When is it appropriate to use the term "small-scale research"?

Use "small-scale research" when referring to studies that are limited in scope, sample size, resources, or duration. This helps manage expectations about the generalizability and depth of the findings.