Pilot and Feasibility Studies: Application in Music Therapy Research

• Published in: The Journal of music therapy Vol. 50; no. 4; pp. 304 - 320
• Main Author: Blythe LaGasse, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1000, Silver Spring, MD 20910. USA American Music Therapy Association 01.12.2013; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Clinical trials; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Feasibility Studies; Focus Groups; Guidelines; Health Services Research - standards; Humans; Hypothesis testing; Intervention; Measurement Techniques; Music therapy; Music Therapy - standards; Occupational Therapy; Pilot Projects; Randomized Controlled Trials; Research Design - standards; Research Methodology; Researchers; Resistance (Psychology); Terminology as Topic; feasibility; music therapy; pilot study
• ISSN: 0022-2917; 2053-7395
• DOI: 10.1093/jmt/50.4.304

Background Pilot studies are an important step in the research process and are used to examine research methods and procedures before a larger trial is attempted. Pilot studies provide the researcher an opportunity to determine feasibility of study procedures and generate initial data in previously unstudied areas. Objective The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the design characteristics of a pilot study, including generation of research questions, corresponding methods for analysis, and reporting of outcomes. Methods This article reviews core characteristics of pilot research, addresses misconceptions and misuse of the term pilot, and provides practical guidelines for the design and reporting of pilot studies. Conclusions Pilot research offers a unique opportunity for researchers to test study procedures before conducting a larger study. The well-designed pilot study can advance future research by increasing the likelihood of a successful and informative study.