Pilot Study

The Pilot Studies section of the International Journal of Psychology and Therapy (IJPT) provides a dedicated platform for the publication of preliminary, exploratory, and feasibility-based research that contributes to the early stages of scientific inquiry in psychology and technology. In alignment with international scholarly standards and the expectations of indexing systems such as Scopus and the Web of Science, this section emphasises methodological transparency, innovation, and the potential for future large-scale research. Pilot studies play a critical role in testing research designs, validating instruments, and assessing the feasibility of interventions, thereby supporting the development of rigorous and impactful research programmes.

This section welcomes pilot studies that explore emerging topics within the interdisciplinary domain of psychology and technology. Relevant areas include, but are not limited to, digital behaviour, AI-assisted interventions, cyberpsychology, virtual and augmented reality applications, human–computer interaction, and technology-based mental health strategies. Submissions should demonstrate clear research objectives, preliminary findings, and practical insights that inform the design of subsequent full-scale studies. Studies addressing novel concepts, under-researched populations, or innovative methodologies are particularly encouraged.

Pilot studies are intended to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness of research protocols, instruments, or interventions. While these studies may involve smaller sample sizes and limited generalisability, they must provide meaningful contributions by identifying methodological challenges, refining research procedures, and generating hypotheses for future investigation. IJPT recognises the importance of such studies in advancing scientific knowledge and encourages authors to clearly articulate the implications and limitations of their findings.

Submissions must adhere to APA 7th edition guidelines and follow a structured format, including: Title, Abstract (150–250 words), Keywords (4–6), Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, and References. The methodology section should provide detailed information on study design, sampling strategy, instruments used, and data analysis procedures. Authors must clearly justify the pilot nature of the study and outline how the findings inform future research directions. Tables and figures should be used effectively to present preliminary data.

Despite their exploratory nature, pilot studies must meet high standards of methodological and ethical rigour. Authors must ensure the use of appropriate research designs, valid measurement tools, and transparent reporting of procedures and results. For studies involving human participants or animals, ethical approval from a recognised institutional body and evidence of informed consent are mandatory. Data integrity and accuracy must be maintained at all stages of the research process.

All pilot study submissions undergo a double-blind peer review process. Manuscripts are evaluated based on originality, clarity of research objectives, methodological soundness, feasibility assessment, and relevance to the journal’s scope. Reviewers assess whether the study provides valuable preliminary insights and whether it has the potential to inform future research. Authors may be required to revise their manuscripts to address reviewer comments before a final decision is made by the Editor-in-Chief.

Authors must explicitly acknowledge the limitations of pilot studies, including small sample sizes, restricted generalisability, and preliminary nature of findings. Transparent reporting of both strengths and limitations is essential to ensure accurate interpretation and to guide future research.

Through this section, IJPT supports the advancement of early-stage research and encourages innovation in psychological and technological studies. By publishing well-designed pilot studies, the journal contributes to the development of robust research frameworks and fosters the progression of exploratory findings into comprehensive, high-impact investigations.