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Based on the concepts of pilot testing and demand characteristics, state a key function of a pilot test. In your description, specify what researchers are trying to see if participants can do during this preliminary phase, and explain what this allows them to do before the actual experiment is run.
Question: Based on the concepts of pilot testing and demand characteristics, state a key function of a pilot test. In your description, specify what researchers are trying to see if participants can do during this preliminary phase, and explain what this allows them to do before the actual experiment is run.
Sample answer: A key function of a pilot test is to identify whether the study design contains demand characteristics. In this preliminary phase, researchers try to see if participants can easily guess the research question or hypothesis. This allows the researchers to adjust the procedure before these cues can skew the actual experiment's results.
Key points:
- Identify whether the study design contains demand characteristics.
- Determine if participants can easily guess the research question or hypothesis.
- Adjust the procedure before conducting the actual experiment.
- Prevent cues from skewing the actual experiment's results.
Rubric: To receive full credit, the response must state that: 1) the function of a pilot test is to identify if the design has demand characteristics; 2) researchers check if participants can easily guess the research question or hypothesis; and 3) this allows researchers to adjust the procedure before the actual experiment to prevent cues from skewing results.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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