pilot studies

• pilot study

  a small scale version of an investigation that takes place before the real one
• what are the aims of a pilot study?

  . test run: use of a smaller group of participants rather than the total number

  . test methods of self report: try out questions to remove any ambiguous or confusing questions

  . allows researchers to identify potential issues and modify the design or procedure
• single blind procedure

  participants don't know the aim of the research as well as other details (eg. conditions)
• what do single blind procedures help to control

  the effects of demand characteristics
• double blind procedure

  neither the participants or the researcher know which condition participants are in
• what do double blind procedures help to control

  investigator effects

  demand characteristics
• control group

  group that isn't exposed to the experimental treatment used for the purpose of comparison