Research Methods: Pilot Studies

Question 1

What is a pilot study?

Answer 1

a small scale study to validate the measure being used.

Question 2

What is the general purpose of pilot studies?

Answer 2

to identify any flaws with the design of the experiment and any potential extraneous variables that may have a negative outcome on the DV.

Question 3

What are the strengths of a pilot study?

Answer 3

develops and tests adequacy of research instruments

accesses the feasibility of a full scale study

establishes whether the sampling frame and technique are effective

identifies problems such as extraneous variables

develops research questions and plan

convinces funding bodies that the research team is competent and knowledgeable and worth funding.

Question 4

What are the limitations of pilot studies?

Answer 4

there is always the possibility of making inaccurate predictions or assumptions on the basis of results received from pilot data.

can produce expectancy bias which may lead to investigator effects.