Abstract: It is generally accepted that a pilot study precedes the main study forming an important component of a research project. In this paper we share our experiences and reflections on three pilot studies we have conducted. The main studies for which the preliminary research was undertaken fall into two realms of mathematics education often considered distinct: the affective and the cognitive domains. Both quantitative and the impact techniques were used in the pilot studies. Outcomes are presented and the impact on the directions of the main studies is discussed. The advantages we perceived in undertaking the pilot studies are outlined.