ABSTRACT
Researchers sometimes conduct “informal” studies. An important reason for doing so is to examine the feasibility of undertaking a larger, more rigorous study based on the more formal process of the scientific method. For example, researchers might select individuals, such as a group of students in a classroom, who are readily available to complete a questionnaire that is in the early stages of development. A report of an “informal” or nonscientific study should indicate that the findings should be considered as suggestive rather than as providing firm evidence. In scientific articles, some researchers point out that their findings are “suggestive only” or “to be interpreted with caution.” Others emphasize that their studies are “exploratory.”
