ECPN SESSION II: CRAFTING AND IMPLEMENTING HIGH-QUALITY PILOT OR SMALL SCALE STUDIES

Pilot and small scale studies are requisite activities for early career prevention scientists seeking to build preliminary evidence and support for larger trials. Although preliminary or “promise” data are often collected as a part of these early investigations, high-quality pilot studies predominantly focus on aspects of an investigation which help to validate the researcher’s procedures and approach. Determining the feasibility/usability, cost- or cost-benefit, sustainability, social validity, etc. of procedures is a valuable endeavor, and if well-considered can provide important information used in support of efficacy and large-scale trials. Experts across areas related to designing and implementing high-quality pilot and small scale studies provide strategies for maximizing the value of this important research.

Chair/Co-Chairs:

• Brian Barber, PhD, Kent State University
• MeLisa Creamer, PhD, MPH; University of Texas Health Science Center
• Sun-Kyung Lee, PhD; University of Minnesota
• Kai Wei, MSW; University of Pittsburgh

Panelists:

• Gerald August, PhD, University of Minnesota
• Maureen Conroy, PhD, University of Florida
• Jacqueline Lloyd, PhD, National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Kevin Sutherland, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University
• Jacqueline Buckley, PhD, DOE, Institute of Education Sciences