What is an alternative method of conducting the Loftus and Palmer (eyewitness testimony) experiment?
This is for AS Psychology.
Core Studies. Methodology, section B.
Since the Loftus and Palmer eyewitness testimony study is an experiment that uses films of staged car crashes and two sets of questionnaires, I was wondering what another way of doing this study would be and what effects this alternative approach would have on the study.
I am unsure how to make the study into a case study or an observation, and the details of such.
Thank you!
The key to this study was the changed perception of the film because of the wording of the questionnaires. like using the word hit, bashed and bumped.
You need to find a way to put this into an observation, perhaps by getting two or 3 small groups and asking them outright questions:
E.g. do you feel the red car was going fast when it bumped/hit/bashed the other car
Then allow them to discuss and take notes
It would change from a lab experement because people could drift off subject but it might reduce demand characteristics as people are likely to become less bored with a discussion than a questionnaire. This increases ecological validity. However you could also mention there would be a problem still with the real life aspect of the study.
Also check out : http://www.a-levelpsychology.co.uk/online/as/chapter03/keystudies.asp
The key to this study was the changed perception of the film because of the wording of the questionnaires. like using the word hit, bashed and bumped.
You need to find a way to put this into an observation, perhaps by getting two or 3 small groups and asking them outright questions:
E.g. do you feel the red car was going fast when it bumped/hit/bashed the other car
Then allow them to discuss and take notes
It would change from a lab experement because people could drift off subject but it might reduce demand characteristics as people are likely to become less bored with a discussion than a questionnaire. This increases ecological validity. However you could also mention there would be a problem still with the real life aspect of the study.
Also check out : http://www.a-levelpsychology.co.uk/online/as/chapter03/keystudies.asp
References :
AS level psychology and final months of A2 level psychology