pilot studies

• What is a pilot study?

  A small-scale version of an investigation
• Why are pilot studies conducted before the main investigation?

  To check procedures, materials, and measuring scales
• What is an extraneous variable?


  Something that may affect results in a minor way
• What is a confounding variable?

  Something that significantly manipulates the results
• What is the purpose of using a control group in an experiment?

  To identify if results are due to the experimental condition
• What is a single-blind procedure?

  Participants are not told the aim of the research

  
• What is a strength of the single-blind procedure?

  Participants may not be influenced by demand characteristics
• What is a weakness of the single-blind procedure?

  It involves deception, which may reduce trust
• What is a double-blind procedure?

  Neither participants nor researchers know the aim of the research

  
• What is a strength of the double-blind procedure?

  Researcher cannot influence participants' feedback or beliefs
• What is a weakness of the double-blind procedure?

  It requires additional staff, making it more expensive
• In a drug trial, what is the role of the control group?

  To compare results with the experimental group
• Why might a researcher choose a double-blind procedure over a single-blind procedure in a drug trial?

  To prevent both participant and researcher bias

  
• What are the main uses of pilot studies?

  • Experiments
  • Self-report techniques (questionnaires/interviews)
  • Observational studies
  • Participant and non-participant investigations
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of single-blind procedures?

  Strengths:

  • Reduces participant demand characteristics
  • Ensures unbiased testing of medication

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Involves deception, which may reduce trust
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of double-blind procedures?

  Strengths:

  • Prevents researcher and participant bias
  • Useful in drug trials

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Requires additional staff, making it more expensive
• In the context of a drug trial, what is the experimental group?

  The group that receives the real drug
• In the context of a drug trial, what is the control group?

  The group that receives the placebo
• Why is it important to identify extraneous and confounding variables in a pilot study?

  To ensure the validity of the main investigation
• What is the main aim of a pilot study?

  To check procedures, materials, and measuring scales
• If a researcher is testing a new drug, what is the purpose of using a placebo in the control group?

  To compare the effects of the real drug
• How does a double-blind procedure help in reducing bias in a drug trial?

  Neither participants nor researchers know who receives the real drug

  
• What is the role of a third party in a double-blind procedure?

  To conduct the investigation without knowing its main purpose
• In the context of a drug trial, what is the benefit of using a double-blind procedure?

  It prevents both participant and researcher bias

  
• Why might a researcher choose to use a single-blind procedure instead of a double-blind procedure?

  To reduce costs and simplify the study design
• What is the main difference between a single-blind and a double-blind procedure?

  In single-blind, only participants are unaware; in double-blind, both participants and researchers are unaware

  
• If a researcher is conducting a pilot study, what is the first step they should take?

  Test procedures, materials, and measuring scales
• How does a pilot study help in identifying ethical issues?

  By highlighting any changes needed before the main study
• What is the main purpose of using a control group in an experiment?

  To compare results with the experimental group
• In the context of a drug trial, what is the role of the experimental group?

  To receive the real drug being tested
• Why is it important to use a control group in a drug trial?

  To identify if results are due to the experimental condition
• What is the main aim of using a pilot study in research?

  To check procedures, materials, and measuring scales
• If a researcher is testing a new drug, what is the purpose of using a placebo in the control group?

  To compare the effects of the real drug
• How does a double-blind procedure help in reducing bias in a drug trial?

  Neither participants nor researchers know who receives the real drug

  
• What is the role of a third party in a double-blind procedure?

  To conduct the investigation without knowing its main purpose
• In the context of a drug trial, what is the benefit of using a double-blind procedure?

  It prevents both participant and researcher bias

  
• Why might a researcher choose to use a single-blind procedure instead of a double-blind procedure?

  To reduce costs and simplify the study design
• What is the main difference between a single-blind and a double-blind procedure?

  In single-blind, only participants are unaware; in double-blind, both participants and researchers are unaware

  
• If a researcher is conducting a pilot study, what is the first step they should take?

  Test procedures, materials, and measuring scales
• How does a pilot study help in identifying ethical issues?

  By highlighting any changes needed before the main study