pilot studies + procedures Flashcards
what is a pilot study?
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 ect work and to allow the researcher to make changes or modifications if necessary
what does a pilot study allow the researcher to do?
it allows the researcher to identify any potential issues and to modify the design or procedure, saving time and money in the long run.
what is a single- blind procedure?
participants will sometimes not be told the aim of the research at the beginning of the study. as well as this, other details may be kept from the participants, such as which condition of the experiment they’re in or whether there is another condition at all. this is known as a single-blind procedure and is an attempt to control for the confounding effects of demand characteristics.
what are double- blind procedures?
neither the participants nor the researcher who conducts the study is aware of the aims of the investigation (often a third party conducts the investigation without knowing its main purpose)
They are an important feature of drug trials, treatment may be administered to patients by someone who is independent of the investigation and who does not know which drugs are real and which are the placebos
