Pilot Studies

What is a pilot study?

A small scale trial run of the actual investigation that researchers carry out before the main study.

What is the purpose of a pilot study?

• Done in order to ‘road test’ the procedure and check the investigation runs smoothly

• Helpful to try out questions in advance and remove or reward those that are ambiguous or confusing

• Checking coding systems

• Allows the research to identify any potential issues with a few participants to modify the design or procedure

Why do researchers conduct a pilot study?

• To check timings e.g. to check how long participants should be given for set tasks

• To check the participants understand the questions asked and what they are required to do

• To check standardised instructions - are they clear enough?

• Can be used to ask a few participants about their experience of taking part

Exam tip

Exam questions are most likely to ask you WHY pilot studies should be used or WHY a pilot study was used in a given piece of research, not just give a definition.