Pilot studies

• Pilot studies-

  • Small scaled trial run of the experiment.
  • Small number of participants used to test - procedure, questions (if using a questionnaire), coding system/training in observation.
  • Allows research on any potential issues so the real experiment can be modified if needed.
• Singles blind procedure-

  • Participants may not know the aim of the research (their conditions or f there is another condition).
  • Helps control confounding effects of demand characteristics.
  • Any information that may cause expectations isn’t revealed till the end of the experiment.
• Double blind procedure-

  • Neither the participant nor the researcher is aware of the aims/conditions of the investigation that the participants are in.
  • Mainly used when testing drug trials where placebos are used, a third-party member will administer the treatment, so that expectations won't impact the investigation.
  • Avoids demand characteristics and investigator effects.
• Control groups and conditions-

  • They have not changed in the variables to act as a baseline of the experiment, to then be compared to the, changed, experimental groups showing the researcher the effects of the independent variable.
  • Control groups are conditioned within psychological research.
  • They receive the variable that’s being tested.