Research methods - Pilot studies

Question 1

What is a pilot study?

Answer 1

A small study conducted in advance of the main study.

Question 2

What is the aim of a pilot study?

Answer 2

• Good practice in order to identify any flaws or areas for improvement which can then be corrected before the main study. E.g Questions can be checked for clarity and ambiguity.
• Check procedures for design errors and timings

This means that any adjustments can be made before the main study, which saves time and money.

Question 3

What is a ceiling effect? How does a pilot study make sure this isn’t present?

Answer 3

A ceiling effect is when everyone gets a high score. In a pilot study, the tasks in the study are checked for difficulty.

Question 4

What method of sampling is typical for a pilot study?

Answer 4

opportunity