Pilot Studies

• Pilot study: A small scale trial run of the research before the real main scale research (1) takes place to identify any problems and amend them (1)
• 1. First aim of a pilot study is to save time and money
• 2. Second aim of a pilot study is to check standardised procedures and general design (of AO2)
• 3. Third aim of a pilot study is the check the amount of time given to participants is enough to complete the task (AO2)
• 4. Fourth aim of a pilot study is so extraneous variables can be identified and possibly eliminated (AO2)
• 5. Fifth aim of a pilot study is to ask the participants to discuss their experiences of the experiment
• 6. Sixth aim of a pilot study is so that any problems can be identified and adjusted before the main study
• For questionnaires or interviews- the aim of a pilot study is to make sure the questions are clear
• For observations - the aim of a pilot study is to check coding systems and behaviour categories are understood, check the observer/camera is in a good position to see behaviours