A small-scale version of an investigation that takes place before the real investigation is conducted. The aim is to check that procedures/materials/measurements work to allow the researcher to make appropriate changes to improve their final study
Types of pilot studies
Single-blind
Double-blind
How does a single-blind procedure work?
Ppts are not told the aim of the research at the beginning of the study
Other details may be kept from ppts such as the condition of experiment or whether there is one
Aims to control for the confounding affects of demand characteristics
How does a double-blind procedure work?
Neither ppts or researcher(s) are aware of aims
A third party usually conducts the investigation without knowing its main purpose
