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Scientific Processes

Pilot studies

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  • Paper 2

Overview

Why a small trial run is carried out before the main investigation, and what it is used to change.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why is a small trial run carried out before the main investigation?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is a pilot study?

    Model answer

    A small-scale preliminary study conducted before the main investigation.

  2. 2

    Why do researchers conduct a pilot study before the main investigation?

    Model answer

    To identify potential problems or flaws in the design, materials, or procedure before conducting the full study.

  3. 3

    How does piloting help ensure participants can follow the research protocol?

    Model answer

    It checks that standardised instructions and procedures are clear and understood by participants.

  4. 4

    A researcher discovers during their main experiment that participants misunderstand a key instruction. How could this have been prevented?

    Model answer

    By conducting a pilot study beforehand to check that standardised instructions are clear and understood by participants.

  5. 5

    What aspect of equipment does a pilot study help to verify?

    Model answer

    That measuring instruments and equipment function correctly.

  6. 6

    Besides checking procedures and equipment, what practical information can a pilot study provide about the study itself?

    Model answer

    An estimate of the time required to complete the study.

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