Researchers wanted to investigate how schemas affect spatial memory recall in virtual reality environments. They recruited 60 participants who were randomly allocated to either a schema-consistent environment group (Condition A) or a schema-inconsistent environment group (Condition B).
All participants wore identical virtual reality (VR) headsets and spent exactly 3 minutes exploring a virtual replica of a standard domestic kitchen.
Immediately after removing the VR headset, all participants completed a surprise written recall test under controlled laboratory conditions, where they had 4 minutes to write down as many items as they could remember seeing in the virtual kitchen.
Explain two strengths of using a laboratory experiment for this virtual reality schema study.
Practise Edexcel A Level Psychology Research methods and skills with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 657 questions covering Research methods and skills, matched to the Edexcel A Level Psychology (9PS0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
