Research Methods: Pilot Studies

Question 1

What is meant by a pilot study?

Answer 1

A pilot study is a small scale trial run of the research before the real main scale research takes place to identify any problems and AMEND/ FIX them.

Question 2

A pilot study is a _______? scale trial run of the research before the real main scale research takes place to identify any problems and AMEND/ FIX them.

Answer 2

Small

Question 3

A pilot study is a small scale trial run of the research before the real main scale research takes place to identify any ___________ and _____________ them.

Answer 3

problems
fix/amend

Question 4

When is a pilot study done?

Answer 4

Before the main real study is carried out

Question 5

Is a pilot study a way of a researcher testing their hypothesis?

Answer 5

No - this is a misconception - they do NOT analyse the findings

Question 6

Researchers will check the amount of time given to ppts is enough but to do what?

Answer 6

to complete the task (LINK TO THE SCENARIO, WHAT IS THE TASK??) eg) enough time to complete the memory task

Question 7

For questionnaires or interviews the researcher need to make sure the questions are ?

Answer 7

clear (and easy to understand)

Question 8

If giving instructions to ppts they need to make sure the instructions are what?

Answer 8

standardised

Question 9

For observations the researcher need to check that the coding systems and behaviour categories what?

Answer 9

Are operationalised, measurable and understood. (eg) cant just say aggressive behaviour you would need to say eg) punch or a kick

Question 10

Operationalise flirting behaviour

Answer 10

flicking hair, giggling, physical contact

Question 11

Operationalise Helping behaviour in a classroom

Answer 11

Handing out books, putting pens away

Question 12

What does doing a pilot study do to our final results

Answer 12

Makes them more valid, reliable and accurate

Question 13

Ensuring questions are clear and understood in a pilot study when the researcher is using what methods?

Answer 13

interviews or questionnaires

Question 14

Ensuring behaviour categories are operationalised and understood when using what method?

Answer 14

Observations

Question 15

Extraneous variables can be identified and possibly eliminated
Give an example of an extraneous variable in research that is red bull vs no red bull on the effects of 100m sprint

Answer 15

How difficult the track is
The past experience of running
The fitness of the ppts