Essay

Describe the basic procedure and primary finding of the Loftus and Pickrell false memory study. What research design did they utilize, and what did they not do with the independent variable?

Question: Describe the basic procedure and primary finding of the Loftus and Pickrell false memory study. What research design did they utilize, and what did they not do with the independent variable?

Sample answer: In the Loftus and Pickrell study, researchers repeatedly asked participants about mildly traumatic childhood events they had not actually experienced, such as getting lost in a shopping mall. The primary finding was that nearly a third of the participants 'remembered' the fabricated event. The researchers utilized an observational research design and did not manipulate an independent variable.

Key points:

  • Researchers asked participants about fabricated mildly traumatic childhood events, such as getting lost in a shopping mall.
  • Nearly a third of participants remembered the fabricated event.
  • The study used an observational research design.
  • The researchers did not manipulate an independent variable.

Rubric: Full credit requires identifying the procedure (asking about fabricated mildly traumatic childhood events/getting lost in a mall), the finding (nearly a third remembered the event), the design (observational research), and the lack of independent variable manipulation.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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