Methods of Investigation

1) Experimental

Cognitive Psychologists conduct their research under strict laboratory conditions.

An Independent variable is manipulated and a dependent variable is measured.

For example, the IV in Loftus and Palmer’s eye witness testimony experiment is the wording of the critical question and the DV is the how fast the participants estimated the car was travelling.

2) Case Study

This method is used by Cognitive Psychologists when conducting research on an unusual case.

A case study involves conducting research on just one participant in detail and over a long period of time.

For example, cognitive psychologists may use the case study method when looking at rare cases of amnesia or when attempting to teach an animal to use language.