A mixed method pilot study: The researchers' experiences
Jacinta M Secomb
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne VIC
Colleen Smith
School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide SA
PP: 031 - 035
Abstract
Aim:
This paper reports on the outcomes of a small well designed pilot study.
Background:
Pilot studies often disseminate limited or statistically meaningless results without adding to the body knowledge on the comparative research benefits.
Method:
The design a pre-test post-test group parallel randomised control trial and inductive content analysis of focus group transcripts was tested specifically to increase outcomes in a proposed larger study.
Outcomes:
Strategies are now in place to overcome operational barriers and recruitment difficulties. Links between the qualitative and quantitative arms of the proposed larger study have been made; it is anticipated that this will add depth to the final report.
Conclusion:
More extensive reporting on the outcomes of pilot studies would assist researchers and increase the body of knowledge in this area.
Keywords
pilot study; mixed methods; educational research; the researchers' experience
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