pilot studies

• pilot studies


  small scale trial run of research study - take place before full scale research project begins - usually use smaller number of participants who can be questioned afterwards about their experience
• aims of piloting


  check research works as it intended to, doesn't have any extraneous variables and is practical - any problems can be rectified before running full scale study e.g. instructions and questions can be clarified, materials can be refined and and improved and timings can be changed
• questions that can be answered

  Do participants understand the instructions? - Are the materials and timings appropriate? - Ask a few participants about their experience of taking part - Have variables been operationalised sufficiently?