Strengths and Weaknesses of Mann et al (8/10m)

In this study, Mann et al has displayed high ecological validity.
A research is said to be ecologically valid if it is relevant and relatable to every life. 
A high ecological validity in this study is a strength because Mann et al utilised real videotapes of high stake liars that were arrested for various offences in which the suspects were initially lying and then confessing the truth when told that forensic evidence would be used against them. Additonally, the suspects were put into a high stake situation where anything they said would be used to prosecute them. The interrogation was conducted by real police officers and real suspects which will make their behavior more natural and likely to happen in real life. 

However, the study by Mann et al showed a weakness, that being low generalisablity. This is because the high stake liars being interrogated are in a high stake situation which means anything they do or say is used to send them to jail. Their deceptive behaviors are directly influenced by the stakes…