👉 Pilot studies usually take place in controlled, specialized environments designed to test the feasibility, methodology, and operational aspects of a larger study. These environments can be physical (e.g., specific laboratories, field sites) or virtual (e.g., computer simulations). They aim to identify potential issues, refine procedures, and gather preliminary data without the full scale of a main study. The setting is often tightly managed to ensure consistency and reliability, allowing researchers to make necessary adjustments before expanding to the broader population.
