Conducting a pilot study is crucial for several reasons:
1. Feasibility: It helps determine whether the proposed study is practical and can be conducted within the available resources. 2. Design Testing: It allows researchers to test and refine the study design, including data collection methods and instruments. 3. Risk Mitigation: It helps identify potential risks and adverse events, allowing for adjustments before the main study. 4. Data Quality: It enables the assessment of data quality and the reliability of the measurement tools. 5. Sample Size Calculation: It can provide preliminary data that help in calculating the appropriate sample size for the main study.