Box 2.

1 Purposes for Conducting a Pilot Study

Purposes for conducting pilot study:
1. To examine issues related to the design, sample size, data collection procedures, and data analysis approaches
2. To test a new instrument or to evaluate an existing instrument that has been altered
3. To evaluate the study procedures and, in general, help to get the bugs out before the actual study is conducted
4. Factors can be examined, such as how long it will take to conduct the data collection and how subjects can be
expected to respond to the data

Table 2.1 Phases of Quantitative Research

2 Comparison of Basic and Applied Research
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH
1. Research is a systematic process that identifies variables and tests the relationship between them.
2. It is logical and so it can be duplicated by others.
3. It has clearly defined purposes.
4. It exerts control over situations or extraneous variables and the variables under study.
5. It is reductive, as it investigates a small sample and findings can be generalized to a larger population.
6. It creates empirical evidences as decisions are based on the data collected.
7. It produces reliable results that can be replicated as others may find the same results.
8. It produces valid findings that are reproducible.
9. It maintains accuracy in all steps.
10. It maintains originality.
11. It meets ethical principles.
12. The informed consent is obtained from the participants.
13. It tests a whole theory or the parts of a theory.
14. It develops theory.
15. It uses logical reasoning in generation of knowledge both deductively and inductively.
16. The findings can be used for description, prediction, and explanation of phenomenon of interest

PROBLEM-SOLVING
1. Specify the Problem: This involves evaluating the present state and determining how it differs from the stated
goals.
2. Analyse the Problem: Analysing the problem involves learning as much as you can about it.
3. Formulate Possible Solutions: Identify a wide range of possible solutions.
4. Evaluate Possible Solutions: Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
5. Choose a Solution: Consider three factors: compatibility with your priorities, amount of risk, and practicality.
6. Implement the solution.
7. Evaluate and revise if necessary.