Research Methods Y1 - Pilot Studies + More Flashcards
What is the definition of a pilot study?
A pilot study is 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, etc., work and to allow the researcher to make changes or modifications if necessary.
What are the aims of piloting?
A pilot study is a small-scale trial run of the actual investigation to test procedures and ensure the investigation runs smoothly.
It may involve a handful of participants rather than the total number.
It is used to identify and fix ambiguities or confusion in self-report methods such as questionnaires or interviews.
In observational studies, it provides a way of checking coding systems before the real investigation.
A pilot study saves time and money by identifying potential issues early.
What is a single-blind procedure?
A single-blind procedure is when participants are not told the aim of the research at the beginning of a study. Details such as which condition participants are in or whether another condition exists may also be kept from participants. This controls the confounding effect of demand characteristics.
What is a double-blind procedure?
In a double-blind procedure, neither the participants nor the researcher conducting the study are aware of the aims of the investigation during the study. Often used in drug trials, it ensures neither the participants nor the researcher knows who receives the real drug or placebo. This controls investigator effects and demand characteristics.
What are control groups and conditions?
In experiments, the group receiving the real drug is the experimental group/condition, and the group receiving the placebo is the control group/condition.
Control groups are used to establish a baseline to compare behavior in experimental conditions, ensuring the independent variable is the only difference.
Control groups help ensure confounding variables are minimized.
