Pilot studies

• a small scale version of an investigation which takes place before the real investigation is conducted
• AIM

  • check if procedures work
  • does IV have an impact on DV
  • see if materials work
• SINGLE BLIND= participant is unaware of what condition they have been placed into, placebo or not, researcher is aware
• SINGLE BLIND DISADVANTAGES

  • researcher bias
  • investigator effects
  • demand characteristics
• DOUBLE BLIND= both the researcher and the participant are unaware of what condition they are placed into
• DOUBLE BLIND ADVANTAGES

  • reduce demand characteristics
  • no investigator effects
• CONTROL GROUP= used to compare, IV is constant