This document discusses pilot studies. It defines a pilot study as a small-scale trial of a research project that covers preparation, tool construction, data collection, analysis and reporting. The objectives of a pilot study are to test elements of the research proposal to improve any issues and prevent costly mistakes in a larger study. A pilot study helps refine concepts and relationships between variables and improves approaches to the target population. It assesses the adequacy of methods, instruments, staff materials and identifies potential problems. The document outlines advantages like improving sampling frames and questionnaires, and disadvantages like introducing biases. It notes limitations like lack of hypothesis testing or generalizability beyond the pilot criteria.