AQA A Level Psychology

Revision Notes

A LevelPsychologyAQARevision Notes7. Research Methods7.2 Scientific Processes7.2.4 Pilot Studies

7.2.4 Pilot Studies

Test Yourself

Pilot Studies

  • Pilot studies are a small scale trial investigations that test some or all aspects of the intended investigation
  • They are carried out prior to the research to identify any issues which could arise 
  • They identify problems in the design, method or analysis, allowing them to be altered and fixed 
  • Participants can also help identify issues and propose changes that stop demand characteristics from happening 
  • Changes are then made before the full research takes place to try and ensure a higher level of validity
  • Pilot studies are able to identify if is 'worth' the research being conducted by being able to identify is there is a chance of significant results being found

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    Claire Neeson

    Author: Claire Neeson

    Claire has been teaching for 34 years, in the UK and overseas. She has taught GCSE, A-level and IB Psychology which has been a lot of fun and extremely exhausting! Claire is now a freelance Psychology teacher and content creator, producing textbooks, revision notes and (hopefully) exciting and interactive teaching materials for use in the classroom and for exam prep. Her passion (apart from Psychology of course) is roller skating and when she is not working (or watching 'Coronation Street') she can be found busting some impressive moves on her local roller rink.