Pilot Studies, Self-report Types of Data

• What is a pilot study?

  A small scale version of an investigation conducted before the real investigation.
• What is the aim of a pilot study?

  To check that procedures, materials, and measuring scales work and to allow for modifications.
• How can pilot studies be used in self-report experiments?

  They can trial questions or interview techniques and remove ambiguous questions.
• Why are pilot studies important?

  They allow for adjustments to be made, saving money, time, and resources.
• What should you ensure when writing about pilot studies in an exam?

  Your answers should be specific to the context or study presented.
• What are the types of data you need to know for each type?

  • Definition
  • Example
  • 1 pro
  • 1 con
• What is quantitative data?

  Data that is expressed numerically.
• Give an example of quantitative data.

  The amount of words participants were able to accurately recall in a memory test.
• What is a pro of quantitative data?

  It is more objective and less open to bias.
• What is a con of quantitative data?

  It lacks detail and may not represent real feelings.
• What is qualitative data?


  Data that is expressed in words.
• Give an example of qualitative data.


  The thoughts, feelings, and opinions of participants.
• What is a pro of qualitative data?


  It is more subjective and rich in detail.
• What is a con of qualitative data?

  The interpretation is often subjective and may be open to researcher bias.
• What is primary data?

  Original data collected specifically for the purpose of the investigation by the researcher themselves.
• What is a pro of primary data?

  It is fit for purpose and authentic.
• What is a con of primary data?

  It can be time-consuming to collect and expensive.
• What is secondary data?

  Data that has been collected by someone else and already exists before the investigation has been planned.
• What is a pro of secondary data?

  It is inexpensive and requires less effort on the researcher's part.
• What is a con of secondary data?

  There is much variation in the quality and accuracy of the data.
• Why might a group of students prefer to conduct an interview rather than a questionnaire?

  Interviews can provide more detailed information and allow for follow-up questions.
• Why might a group of students prefer to conduct a questionnaire rather than an interview?

  Questionnaires can be distributed to many people quickly and cheaply.
• What is a questionnaire?

  A set of written questions designed to collect information.
• What type of data can questionnaires provide?

  They can provide either qualitative data or quantitative data.
• What should you be aware of when designing a questionnaire?

  • Clarity: Avoid double negatives and double-barreled questions.
  • Bias: Avoid leading questions.
  • Analysis: Ensure questions are easy to analyze.
• Why should you avoid double negatives in questions?

  They can confuse respondents and lead to inaccurate answers.
• What is a leading question?

  A question that suggests a particular answer is more attractive than others.
• What is the difference between open and closed questions?

  Open questions allow for detailed responses, while closed questions limit responses to predefined options.
• What is a Likert scale?


  A scale where respondents indicate their agreement or disagreement with a statement using usually 5 points.
• What is a rating scale?

  A scale similar to Likert scales where respondents identify a value reflecting the strength of their feeling on a topic.
• What is a fixed choice option in a questionnaire?


  A list of possible options from which respondents choose applicable ones.
• What are the pros and cons of using questionnaires?

  Pros:

  • Can be used for many people cheaply and quickly.
  • Respondents may feel comfortable revealing personal information.
  • Reduces experimenter bias.

  
  

  Cons:

  • Sample can be biased.
  • Closed questions limit responses.
  • Open questions are harder to summarize.
• What is a structured interview?

  An interview where questions are standardized and can be easily repeated.
• What is an unstructured interview?


  An interview that allows for more detailed information and flexibility in questioning.
• What is a semi-structured interview?


  An interview that combines elements of both structured and unstructured interviews.
• What are the pros and cons of structured and unstructured interviews?

  Structured Interview:

  Pros:

  • Easily repeated due to standardized questions.
  • Easier to analyze due to predictable answers.

  Cons:

  • Requires skilled interviewers.
  • May lack objectivity.

  
  

  Unstructured Interview:

  Pros:

  • More detailed information can be obtained.

  Cons:

  • Comparability is difficult.
  • More expensive due to the need for experienced interviewers.
• Why is recording an interview important?

  It allows for accurate data collection without interfering with the interviewer's listening skills.
• How can the presence of an interviewer affect responses?


  An interested interviewer may increase the amount of information provided by respondents.
• What non-verbal communication can encourage respondents to speak?

  Nodding and leaning forward can encourage respondents to share more information.
• What should interviewers avoid during interviews?

  Interviewers should avoid interrupting too much and should use encouraging comments.