Pilot studies

Question 1

What is a pilot study?

Answer 1

A small-scale trial run of a study which takes place before the real investigation is carried out

Question 2

What are the aims of a pilot study?

Answer 2

-To check that the procedures, materials and measuring scales work
-to allow the researcher to make changes or modifications to the design if necessary
-To improve the quality of research, help avoid unnecessary work, save time and money.

Question 3

What do pilot studies do?

Answer 3

-they allow practical details to be checked like insuring instructions can be understood and deciding and the number of participants to use

Question 4

What does is a pilot study for questionnaires and interviews?

Answer 4

-A pilot study can involve trying out questions in advance to be able to reword or remove any that are confusing (unambiguous)

Question 5

What is a pilot study for observational studies?

Answer 5

-a pilot study can check the behavioural categories and coding systems are suitably operationalised and used reliably across an observational team