Feasibility

Definition

Feasibility refers to the practicality and likelihood of successfully completing a research project or study. This concept encompasses several dimensions, including the availability of resources, the scope of the research, the timeline, and potential challenges that may arise. Understanding feasibility is crucial for formulating a research problem statement that is realistic and achievable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feasibility assessments often consider factors like funding, access to data or participants, and ethical considerations.
2. A well-defined research problem statement includes an evaluation of feasibility to avoid unrealistic expectations.
3. Feasibility can change over time based on new information or resources that become available during the research process.
4. Researchers may use pilot studies as a tool to evaluate feasibility before committing to larger projects.
5. Inadequate attention to feasibility can lead to wasted resources, time, and effort in research initiatives.

Review Questions

• How does assessing feasibility impact the development of a research problem statement?
  • Assessing feasibility is essential for developing a sound research problem statement because it ensures that the proposed study is realistic given the available resources and constraints. A feasible research problem takes into account not only the scope and significance of the study but also logistical considerations like time, funding, and access to necessary data or participants. This evaluation helps researchers avoid setting themselves up for failure with an overly ambitious project.
• Discuss the role of pilot studies in determining the feasibility of a larger research project.
  • Pilot studies play a critical role in determining the feasibility of larger research projects by allowing researchers to test their methods and procedures on a smaller scale. By identifying potential issues with data collection, participant recruitment, or logistical challenges early on, pilot studies provide valuable insights that can inform adjustments before full-scale implementation. This preemptive analysis helps ensure that the main study is well-planned and increases the chances of success.
• Evaluate how changing circumstances during a research project can affect its feasibility and how researchers should adapt.
  • Changing circumstances during a research project can significantly affect its feasibility, such as shifts in funding availability, access to participants, or changes in ethical regulations. Researchers need to continuously monitor these factors throughout their study and be prepared to adapt their approach if necessary. This may involve revising their research design, altering their methods, or even redefining their problem statement to align with new realities. Flexibility in addressing these changes is key to maintaining the project's viability.

Related terms

Research Design: The framework or blueprint for conducting research that outlines the procedures and methods to be used in collecting and analyzing data.

Pilot Study: A small-scale preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility, time, cost, and adverse events involved in a research project before launching the full-scale study.

Operationalization: The process of defining and measuring variables in research to ensure that they can be empirically tested and analyzed.