Pilot and case studies

Question 1

What is a pilot study?

Answer 1

A small-scale version of an investigation that takes place before the real investigation is conducted. The aim is to check that procedures, materials, measuring scales, etc, work. The aim is also to allow the researcher to make changes or modification if necessary.

Question 2

What are the aims of a pilot study?

Answer 2

They allow the researcher to identify any potential issues and to modify the design or procedure, saving time and money in the long run

Question 3

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a pilot study?

Answer 3

S - you can collect preliminary data and you increase research quality
W - can be expensive and time consuming

Question 4

What is a case study?

Answer 4

A case study is an in-depth investigation, description and analysis of a single individual, group, institution or event. They tend to take place over a long period of time (longitudinal).

Question 5

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a case study?

Answer 5

S - able to offer rich, detailed insights and can generate hypotheses for future study
W - hard to generalise, evidence from case studies can be low in validity

Question 6

Why would you do a pilot study?

Answer 6

• To check that participants understand the instructions
• To check whether the materials are clear (e.g. photographs/videos are of a good enough quality)
• To check whether the questions are clear and interpreted in the same way by all participants
• To check behavioural categories/checklist, timing of the observations, where the observers are (how far away to check that they can see and hear what is going on)
• To see which ethical issues might occur