Pilot Studies Flashcards
What is a pilot study?
A small-scale trial run of a research study and they take place before the full-scale research begins.
What often happens to the participants after the study?
They are questioned about their experience.
What is the aim of piloting?
To check that the research works as it is intended to and that it does not have any extraneous variables, as well as being practical.
What happens if any problems are found after a pilot study?
The problems are rectified before running the full-scale study.
What does ‘rectified’ mean?
To correct or put right.
What are the four useful questions pilot studies can answer?
1) Do participants understand the instructions?
2) Are the materials and timings appropriate?
3) What was the participants experience like?
4) Have variables been operationalised sufficiently?
Give examples of things that may be rectified after a pilot study.
- Instructions
- Materials (clear words in lists, clear images, clear questions, etc.)
- Cues that cause demand characteristics
- Extraneous variables
