I
need an expert who is qualified in academic writing and has a previous
experience in writing the research methodology chapter. For this order, I need
him/her to write introductory paragraphs for the methodology chapter and about
the PILOT STUDY section of the methodology chapter. Based on the provided work,
I will consult the writer again to write the whole sections of the methodology
chapter!
Outlines ( Please write
introductory paragraphs at the beginning of the methodology chapter before
writing about the following outlines)
Section 1 Research Approach and Design
Section 2 Research Setting/Context
Section 3 Population Sample
Section 4 Research Tools
3.4.1 Quantitative
Tool
3.4.2 Qualitative
Tools
Section 5 Pilot Study
Section 6 Data Collection Procedure
3.6.1 Questionnaire
Procedure
3.6.2 Unstructured
Observation Procedure
3.6.3 Semi-structured
Interview Procedure
Section 7 Data Analysis
3.7.1 Quantitative
Data Analysis
3.7.2 Qualitative
Data Analysis
Section 8 Validity and Reliability
Section 9 Ensuring Trustworthiness
Section 10 Ethical considerations
Notes to be considered:
Everything written in red
means that it was taken from previous references and requires paraphrasing.
Also, all the required references are written in a green color.
I will send you a pdf copy of my research proposal to understand
how to write the introductory paragraphs.
Below are the instructions to be followed in writing the pilot
study section.
Section 5 Pilot Study
Start this section by defining a pilot study. You can find the definition in the following reference on page 43:
Mackey,
A., & Gass, S. M. (2005). Second language research, methodology and design. Mahwah, New
Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Following that
write about the Advantages of pilot study as stated in the reference below:
Pilot
studies enable study methods and data collection processes to be examined prior
to a subsequent study (Reed et al., 2007). Peers and participants can
provide information on the appropriateness of intended instruments and
interview guides thus validating the research processes before a study begins.
Reed, M. J., Newby, D. E., Coull, A. J., Jacques, K. G.,
Prescott, R. J., & Gray, A. J. (2007). The Risk stratification Of Syncope
in the Emergency department (ROSE) pilot study: a comparison of existing
syncope guidelines. Emergency medicine journal: EMJ, 24(4),
270.
Then, please indicate that there is no specific number
for the sample size in a pilot study. You can justify such claim from the
following reference:
The
study of Billingham et al. (2013) mentioned that even though all studies
should have a sample size justification, some kinds of studies do not need to
have a sample size calculation. Their studies, however, concluded that a formal
sample size calculation for pilot studies may not be appropriate.
Billingham, S. A., Whitehead, A. L., & Julious, S. A.
(2013). An audit of sample sizes for pilot and feasibility trials being
undertaken in the United Kingdom registered in the United Kingdom Clinical
Research Network database. BMC medical research methodology, 13,
1-6.
For
this reason, the pilot study in the current study targeted 20 healthcare practitioners
(doctors and nurses) and 20 patients for the quantitative phase. As for the
qualitative phase, 4 observations were conducted and 6 interviews were
conducted: 3 with patients and 3 with healthcare practitioners (doctors and
patients)
Following that, write why did you conduct a
pilot study?
Below are relevant points from two different
sources:
One tangible feature for pilot studies is casting light on the
potential problems associated with the tools, procedures, materials and
timeframe so that they can be addressed before the actual study is undertaken
(Mackey & Gass, 2005)
Mackey, A., & Gass, S. M. (2005). Second language
research, methodology and design. Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
to provide an initial evaluation of the internal consistency of the
items; and to improve questions, format, and instructions. Pilot testing all
study materials also provides an opportunity to assess how long the study will
take (and to identify potential concerns with participant fatigue).
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D.
(2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches. Sage publications.
Finally, inform the readers that the pilot
study followed the same procedures as the actual study and finally write from
your own words what did you benefit from conducting a pilot study in all phases
of the data collection including questionnaire, observation, and finally the
interviews? Below is an example provided from published research to help you
understand this point!
I tested the interview method online with a master’s student. This
gave me the opportunity to learn how to conduct an interview. Although I have
read books and articles about conducting interviews, I knew that the experience
would be different in practice. Later, when I listened to the recording of the
interview, I realised that I had repeated some questions in slightly different
ways. I also discovered that I had interrupted the student to ask her about an
interesting point; however, though she answered that question, she forgot to
finish answering the original question. In addition, I discovered that some of
my questions were difficult to answer, so I made them clearer and more
coherent. For example, I narrowed one question that was so broad that it confused
the participant. In general, I sought to avoid these mistakes in the other
interviews.