At the Brega salon

lessons from a pilot study

Abstract

Reflecting on the production of scientific knowledge involves refining methodological strategies that aim to overcome imposed power structures. In this sense, pilot studies are characterized as shorter versions of a complete research project, which in general aim at preventing problems and improving the methodological design through the testing of research methods, techniques and instruments, as well as preparing the researcher, especially the beginner, for the challenging work with qualitative research. The literature about the use of pilot studies is still scarce and, when carried out, often does not reach the challenges and the learning curve for the researcher. Thus, we seek to problematize the procedures of the pilot study, placing it as an important resource for qualitative research. A pilot project to prepare the master's research field work, of an ethnographic nature, was carried out based on the phenomenon of the Baile da Saudade parties, through the question: What strategies, techniques and procedures can ensure greater effectiveness in qualitative research of a nature ethnographic? Two main actors that make up the Baile da Saudade parties participated in the study through semi-structured interviews and the Photovoice method. With the execution of the pilot project, we realized that the strategies that go beyond the hierarchical relationships between researcher and participant are necessary to guarantee the participatory process and, consequently, greater effectiveness in qualitative approaches of an ethnographic nature.