Pilot studies and Ethics

Pilot study

A small-scale trial run carried out before the main study to identify problems in design or procedure.

Purpose of pilot study

To test clarity of instructions, effectiveness of materials and reliability of measures.

Pilot study advantage

Allows researchers to refine procedures, saving time and resources before main data collection.

Pilot study and validity

Improves internal validity by ensuring accurate measurement of variables.

Adjusting after pilot

Researchers can revise questions, remove unclear items or change procedure.

Debriefing after pilot

Participants are informed of the study purpose and any issues identified.

Ethical guidelines

Rules set by organisations such as the BPS to ensure psychological research is conducted ethically.

Informed consent

Participants must be fully informed about the study and agree to take part.

Presumptive consent

Gaining consent from a similar group to estimate whether the target participants would consent.

Parental consent

Required when participants are under 16 years old.

Assent

Agreement from a child to participate, alongside parental consent.

Informed consent limitation

May reduce validity because participants may guess the aim.

Protection from harm

Participants should not experience physical or psychological harm beyond everyday life.

Psychological harm

Includes stress, anxiety, embarrassment or lowered self-esteem.

Deception

Deliberately misleading participants about the true purpose of the study.

Justifying deception

Allowed only if necessary to preserve validity and if no harm will result.

Debriefing

Post-study explanation of purpose, procedures, deception and participant rights.

Right to withdraw

Participants must be able to leave the study or withdraw their data at any time.

Confidentiality

Participant information must be protected and not disclosed.

Anonymity

Ensuring data cannot be traced back to individual participants.

Data protection

Research must follow legal requirements such as GDPR.

Ethics committee

A group that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards are upheld.

Ethical approval

Required before any study begins to ensure risks are acceptable.

Cost–benefit analysis

Ethics committee weighs potential benefits of research against possible risks.

Risk management

Steps taken to identify and minimise potential harm to participants.

Minimising harm

Includes stopping the study early if distress occurs.

Handling distress

Participants must be supported and offered appropriate follow-up help.

Retrospective consent

Participants consent to use of their data after being fully debriefed.

Confidentiality vs anonymity

Confidential data is private; anonymous data has no identifying details.

Ethics in observations

Public settings allow covert observation; private settings require consent.

Protection of vulnerable groups

Extra safeguards required for children, elderly or individuals with mental health difficulties.

Voluntary participation

Participants must not be coerced or pressured to take part.

Ethical use of incentives

Incentives must not be so large that they become coercive.

Sensitive data

Special care must be taken when collecting personal or emotional information.

Dealing with deception

Debriefing must fully inform participants and allow withdrawal of their data.

Avoiding leading questions

Ensures participants’ responses are not manipulated in self-report studies.

Ethical issues in field experiments

Participants may be unaware of observation and unable to consent.

Ethical issues in covert research

Lack of consent must be justified by strong scientific need and minimal harm.

Ethics in animal research

Must follow strict guidelines to minimise suffering and justify use.

Ethics training

Researchers must be trained in ethical practice and participant safety.

Right to privacy

Participants’ personal space and information must be respected.

Ethical monitoring

Researchers must continually assess risks throughout the study.

Handling participants' complaints

Participants must have access to clear complaint procedures.

Debrief content

Must include true aims, explanation of deception, and reassurance to reduce harm.

Ethical reporting

Researchers must honestly report findings without fabrication or omission.

Participant welfare priority

Ethical principles require participant welfare to be placed above research goals.