Pilot studies

Question 1

what is pilot study?

Answer 1

a small scale trial run of the actual investigation

Question 2

how many Ps might a pilot study have relative to the actual investigation?

Answer 2

less

Question 3

3 things a pilot study does/allows

Answer 3

1. allows reserachers to identify what problems may arise during the study so refinements can be made before paying for a full-scale study so maor problems may be prevented
2. can answer questions about main study w/o using all the resources such as if it is worth doing
3. can be used to determine number of participants needed

Question 4

what other types of investigations, other than experimental, can use a pilot study and how?

Answer 4

• observational studies - check coding systems and can train observers
• self-report methods - test questions and remove or reword those that are cnfusing or ambiguous

Question 5

3 questions that may be answered in a pilot study

Answer 5

1. will all instructions be understood?
2. will available Ps be able to do the procedure?
3. will there be any unforseen problems?