Pilot studies (and more)

• Pilot study

  • Small scale trial run
  • Allows researcher to identify potential issues and modify the design or procedure, saving time and money
• Single blinding

  • Information that may create expectations is not revealed to participants until the end
  • Control demand characteristics - ‘screw-U‘ and ‘please-U’ effects
• Double blinding

  • Neither the participants nor researcher knows the aim of the experiment
  • Control for demand characteristics and researcher bias
• Control groups/conditions

  • Serve as a “baseline comparison”
  • Used to determine if it is the IV that is affecting behaviour