research methods - pilot studies, single-blind n double-blind procedures. Flashcards
What is meant by “pilot study”?
Small-scale trial run of a study using small group of participants taken from the target population.
What is meant by “single-blind”?
Where participants are not aware of the aims of the study.
What is meant by “double-blind”?
Where participants and researcher who conducts the study is unaware of the aims of study.
What are the aims of pilot studies?
- improve quality of the research.
- help avoid unnecessary work.
- save time and money.
[e.g. appropriate language is used and test timings of tasks to test the standardised instructions are clear]
What is checked in a pilot study?
- check instructions are understood.
- whether materials are clear such as photographs/videos are good quality.
- whether questions are clear and interpreted in the same way by all participants.
- behavioural categories/checklist.
- timing of observations.
- operationalise psychological concepts.
- ethical issues.
Why may single-blind procedure be used?
To reduce demand characteristics as participants will not be aware of aims of the study therefore unable to alter their behaviour to suit research aim.
Why may double-blind procedure be used?
- to reduce demand characteristics as participants will not be aware of aims of the study therefore unable to alter their behaviour to suit research aim.
- to reduce investigator effects as researcher’s behaviour will not be able to influence the participant as they are unaware of research aim.
How are control conditions used?
As a baseline condition.
Why are control groups and conditions used?
To allow researchers to make comparisons between conditions.
[e.g. if change in behaviour of experimental group is greater than behaviour in control group the researcher can conclude that the cause of this effect was the IV]
