MS

• Strength of G+B's research into retrieval failure

  • Employs a rigorous methodology
  • Experimental design used repeated measures (where all pps were exposed to both conditions)
  • Allowed for direct comparison btw conditions while minimising individual differences
  • High levels of control were maintained throughout while the IV was manipulated
  • Counterbalancing was used to overcome the limitations of repeated measures by reducing the concern of order effects
  • Unrelated word lists ensured retrieval was unaffected by previously formed word associations
  • G+B confirmed the divers were Proficient in diving to avoid potential confounding variables related to discomfort/anxiety underwater
  • Replications of this study reveal consistent findings, enhancing confidence in its methodology + conclusions
  • Suggests the experiment is high in both internal + external validity
• G+B's study gains scientific credibility as a piece of research that has contributed significantly to the understanding of context-dependent memory