Which term describes a small-scale research effort to determine the feasibility of a larger effort?

The term that describes a small-scale research effort to determine the feasibility of a larger effort is "Pilot Study." A pilot study is essentially a preliminary, smaller version of a larger research project conducted to test key components, procedures, or hypotheses. The primary goal is to identify any potential problems in the research design, assess the feasibility of the main study, and gather initial data that can inform the planning of the larger project.

Pilot studies contribute to increasing the validity and reliability of the overall research process by allowing researchers to refine their methodologies, piloting data collection instruments, and ensuring that the logistics of conducting the larger study are manageable. By testing the waters on a smaller scale, researchers can make informed decisions and adjustments before a full-scale implementation, ultimately leading to more robust and credible findings in the eventual larger study.

The other terms mentioned are related to different research contexts. A quasi-experiment refers to a study that examines the effect of an intervention without random assignment. A case study focuses on an in-depth examination of an individual or group. A meta-analysis combines data from multiple studies to identify trends or outcomes. Each of these serves different research purposes and is not primarily focused on assessing feasibility like the pilot study does.