pilot study

A pilot experiment is a precursor to a full-scale study used to check if all operational parameters are in check. A pilot study can refer to many types of experiments, but generally the goal of study is to replicate the full scale experiment, but only on a smaller scale. Often in Engineering applications, pilot experiments are used to sell the product, and provide quantitative proof that the system has potential to succeed on the larger (full) scale. Pilot experiments are also used to reduce cost, as they are much less expensive than the full scale system. If there is not enough reason to provide full scale applications, pilots can generally provide this proof. Pilots are also used in media industry. For instance it is common to produce a pilot episode of TV series and run it, before deciding on whether to broadcast the series.
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The initial study examining a new method or treatment.

1. A relatively small-scale experiment designed as a prelude to large-scale scientific research (more specifically, to test research procedures and an initial hypothesis, for example). 2. (feasibility study) In health science, a relatively small-scale study designed to determine whether a larger study would be practical.