· Study cause and effect relationships between an independent and dependent variable. The independent variable is researcher manipulated. In experiments into eyewitness testimony, such as Loftus and Palmer's, the independent variable may be the presence of a leading question in an interview. The dependent variable may be the accuracy of the witness's statement.
· Lab experiments are based around an experimental hypothesis. This hypothesis may be based upon a theory. The hypothesis is either confirmed or amended depending on the findings of the study. In Loftus and Palmer's experiment, the hypothesis was that eyewitness testimony would be affected when leading questions were present in interviews.
Criminal Psychology - Edexcel Test Cards.- Unit 3.