Loftus and Palmer 1974: An evaluation

Evaluation

Loftus and Palmer conducted a laboratory experiment which allowed them to control specific variables in order to identify cause and effect relationships. In addition, controlled experiments allow for the study to be replicated and this ensures that findings can be proved as being reliable.Although a criticism of a carefully controlled laboratory experiment is the artificial setting. The setting downplays emotional content which makes it difficult to generalise findings to real life. Nevertheless, findings from this study have informed police to be mindful of the nature of leading questions.