Pilot studies & more

Question 1

Define pilot study

Answer 1

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 properly and to allow the researcher to make changes or modifications if necessary.

Question 2

what is single-blind procedure

Answer 2

A type of research design in which a participant is not aware of the research aim and/or of which condition of the experiment they are recieving.

Question 3

What does single-blind procedure counter

Answer 3

It is an attempt to control for confounding effects of demand characteristics

Question 4

What is double-blind procedure

Answer 4

Neither the participant nor the researcher conducting the study are aware of the research aims or the other important details of the study, and thus have no expectations that might alter a participant’s behaviour

Question 5

When is double blind procedure often used

Answer 5

often an important feature of drug trials

Question 6

in a drug trial example what are the groups

Answer 6

• experimental group/condition = recieves the real drug
• control group/condition = recieves placebo

Question 7

Why are control groups used

Answer 7

Controls are used in experiments for the purpose of comparison.
If the change in behaviour of the experimental group is significantly greater than that of the control group, then the researcher can conclude that the cause of this effect was the independent variable.