pilot studies

• pilot study is a small-scale trial run of the actual investigation. It takes place before the real investigation is conducted.
• Pilot studies aim is to clear that the procedures and materials work, and the instructions to participants are clear.
• pilot studies allows researchers to make any changes if necessary, before the real investigation is carried out.
• pilot studies are not just restricted to experiments, they can be used for self-reports e.g questionnaires or interviews- may be useful to try out questions in advance and remove and replace words or questions that may be confusing.
• pilot studies can be used in observational studies to check the behavioural categories are effective before the real observation takes place.
• a pilot study allows the researcher to identify any potential issues and to modify the design or procedures, saving time and money in the long run.
• purpose of the pilot study is not to check if the researcher is going to get the results they want.