A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

How did Loftus and Palmer (1973) differ from Grant et al (1998) in their research focus?

1. Loftus and Palmer focused on context-dependent memory

2. Loftus and Palmer focused on reconstructive memory in eyewitness testimonies

3. Grant et al focused exclusively on aggression in children

4. Grant et al's study was less controlled than Loftus and Palmer's

The correct answer is: Loftus and Palmer focused on reconstructive memory in eyewitness testimonies

Loftus and Palmer's research was centered on reconstructive memory, particularly in the context of eyewitness testimonies. They investigated how the wording of questions could influence participants' recollections of an event, demonstrating that memory is not a flawless recording of events but rather can be altered by external information, which is crucial in legal settings. This work highlights the malleability of human memory and the potential implications for the reliability of eyewitness accounts. In contrast, Grant et al. focused on context-dependent memory, exploring how the environment in which learning takes place can affect recall. Their research demonstrated that individuals perform better when they are in the same context for both learning and retrieval. Understanding this distinction helps clarify the respective aims of each study; Loftus and Palmer were concerned with the integrity of memory in high-stakes situations like court cases, while Grant et al. examined more general principles of memory retention and recall. This emphasizes the unique contributions each study made to the field of psychology.