pilot studies

Question 1

pilot studies definition

Answer 1

a small-scale version of an investigation that takes place before the real investigation is conducted.

Question 2

aim of a pilot study

Answer 2

to check procedures, materials, measuring scales etc work. the aim is also to allow the researcher to make changes or modifications if necessary

Question 3

how are pilot studies used in observational studies

Answer 3

provides a way of checking coding systems before real investigation is undertaken. this may be an important part of training observers

Question 4

single-blind procedure

Answer 4

when participants are not told the aim of the research. this is because any information that might create expectations is not reveled until the end of the study to control for the confounding effects of demand characteristics

Question 5

double-blind procedure

Answer 5

neither the participants or the researcher know the aims of the investigation. this is often used in drug trials as treatment may be administered to the participants by someone who is independent of the investigation and does not know who has real drug or the placebo. this means expectations cannot influence participant behaviour

Question 6

control group

Answer 6

control of variables so setting a baseline. it used for the purpose of comparison. if the change in behaviour of the experimental group is significantly greater than the control group, the researcher can conclude that the cause of this effect is the independent variable

Question 7

control conditions

Answer 7

having two groups in an experiment is an independent groups design, but we can also have control conditions in a repeated measures design. each participant takes part twice, once in the experimental condition and once in the control condition