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Based on the principles of iterative pilot testing, what is the next step the researcher should take before initiating the actual study, and why is this step necessary?
Case context: A researcher designs a study to measure selective attention in children. During the initial pilot test, the children become confused by the complex verbal instructions and repeatedly ask the experimenter for help, which invalidates the attention measurements. The researcher modifies the protocol by simplifying the verbal instructions and adding visual prompt cards.
Question: Based on the principles of iterative pilot testing, what is the next step the researcher should take before initiating the actual study, and why is this step necessary?
Sample answer: The next step is to run another pilot test using the modified protocol with simplified instructions and visual prompt cards. This step is necessary because pilot testing is an iterative process; the researcher must test the refined procedure to ensure the modifications actually solved the problem and that the procedure now works flawlessly before starting the actual study.
Key points:
- Run another pilot test with the modified procedure.
- Verify that the modifications (simplified instructions and visual prompt cards) solved the problem.
- Do not proceed directly to the actual study after making modifications without re-testing.
- Continue the cycle until the procedure works flawlessly.
Rubric: The response must identify that the researcher should run another pilot test (rather than proceeding directly to the actual study). It must explain that this is necessary to verify whether the modifications resolved the issues and to ensure the procedure is flawless, demonstrating comprehension of the iterative nature of the cycle.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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