Classic Evidence: Loftus and Palmer (1974) - Evaluation: Ethical Issues And Social Implications

Question 1

What Are The Two Ethical Issues And Social Implications In Loftus And Palmer (1974)?

Answer 1

• Lack of valid consent.
• Psychological harm.

Question 2

Why Was The Consent Given By The Participants, In Loftus And Palmer (1974), Not Valid?

Answer 2

The participants were not aware of the aims of the study, as it would have affected their behaviour.

Question 3

Why Was Deception Necessary In Loftus And Palmer (1974)?

Answer 3

Otherwise their behaviour would not reflect everyday EWT and would not provide useful findings.

Question 4

Why Was The Deception In Loftus And Palmer (1974) Deemed Acceptable?

Answer 4

The deception could be considered ‘mild’ as no psychological or physical harm was caused.

Question 5

What Was One Of The Criticisms Of Loftus And Palmer’s Study, Regarding The Ecological Validity?

Answer 5

The accident shown was not a real accident.

Question 6

What Ethical Issue May Have Occurred If The Accident Shown Was A Real Accident?

Answer 6

Psychological Harm

Question 7

How Did Loftus And Palmer Avoid Psychological Harm?

Answer 7

By using a film clip instead of a real accident.