Why might researchers conduct a feasibility study prior to full-scale research?

Conducting a feasibility study prior to full-scale research is essential for identifying potential pitfalls in the research process. This preliminary investigation helps researchers assess various factors that could impact the success of their study, such as logistical issues, resource availability, and participant recruitment challenges. By proactively identifying these obstacles, researchers can make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the study as planned or to modify their approach to mitigate risks. This step minimizes the likelihood of encountering significant issues during the main research, ultimately saving time and resources.

The other choices present aspects that might be relevant to the research process but do not encapsulate the primary aim of a feasibility study. While gathering support from stakeholders is important for any research, it is not the core focus of a feasibility study. Finalizing the research design is typically a subsequent step that occurs after potential issues have been addressed. Increasing the number of variables for testing does not align with the purpose of a feasibility study, which is more concerned with understanding challenges than expanding the scope of research unnecessarily.