7.2: Pilot studies

Question 1

Pilot studies

Answer 1

Pilot studies are small-scale practice investigations

Question 2

Pilot studies are small-scale practice investigations, carried out when?

Answer 2

Pilot studies are small-scale practice investigations, carried out prior to research

Question 3

Pilot studies are small-scale practice investigations, carried out prior to research, why?

Answer 3

Pilot studies are small-scale practice investigations, carried out prior to research, to identify any potential problems with the:
1. Design
2. Method
Or,
3. Analysis
,so that they can be fixed

Question 4

Pilot studies are small-scale practice investigations, carried out prior to research, to identify any potential problems with the design, method or analysis, so that they can be fixed.
What may participants also do?

Answer 4

Participants may also suggest appropriate changes

Question 5

Pilot studies are small-scale practice investigations, carried out prior to research, to identify any potential problems with the design, method or analysis, so that they can be fixed.
Participants may also suggest appropriate changes.
Example

Answer 5

For example, if participants admit that they:
1. Guessed the purpose of the study
2. Acted accordingly
(demand characteristics), changes could be made to avoid this

Question 6

Pilot studies are small-scale practice investigations, carried out prior to research, to identify any potential problems with the design, method or analysis, so that they can be fixed.
Participants may also suggest appropriate changes.
For example, if participants admit that they guessed the purpose of the study and acted accordingly (demand characteristics), changes could be made to avoid this.
What do pilot studies also do?

Answer 6

Pilot studies also identify whether there is a chance of significant results being found