Pilot Study Pilot Studies An important step to

Pilot Study

Pilot Studies An important step to a well designed investigation is to conduct a pilot study. This is a small scale trial run of a specific research investigation to test out the procedures and to identify any potential flaws and areas for improvement. A small number of participants are studied to see if there any problems with the design, the clarity of standardized instructions, measuring tools and behaviour categories. The researcher can also find out how long a piece of research can take and may even tell the participant that he or she is taking part in a pilot study, and ask them whether they could spot any weaknesses in the design of the research.

Pilot Studies Sometimes, a pilot study shows the researcher that there is no effect, therefore there will be little point continuing with the main study, thus saving time and resources. All research investigations should be piloted.

Questions • Define what a pilot study is This is a small scale trial run of a specific research investigation to test out the procedures and to identify any potential flaws and areas for improvement.

Questions • How might a pilot study be conducted On a small number of participants to check standardised procedures, validity of questions, difficulty of tasks etc. Participants may even be told they are part of the pilot study and asked if they encountered any difficulties.

Questions • Explain why a pilot study is conducted To see if there any problems with the design, the clarity of standardized instructions, measuring tools and behaviour categories. Also to find out how long a piece of research can take. Sometimes, a pilot study shows the researcher that there is no likelihood of effect, so there will be little point continuing with the main study, thus saving time and resources.

Questions • Should all psychological investigations be piloted? In nearly all cases, yes. It increases validity and replicability of research.