Experiments within psychology, such as that carried out by Baddeley (1966b), have aided our understanding of cognitive functions - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 1

Experiments play a crucial role in cognitive psychology by providing structured and controlled environments where researchers can investigate specific cognitive processes. One significant aspect of these experiments is the ability to utilize schema theory, which posits that recall of information is influenced by prior knowledge and experiences.

For example, schema theory suggests that when individuals recall an event, like a robbery, their existing schemas will shape how they interpret and remember the details. This means that a participant's previous experiences—such as movies about robberies—can fill in gaps when recalling the event, impacting the accuracy of their recollection.

Thus, experiments can reveal how cognitive functions operate in real-world scenarios, enhancing our understanding. Moreover, they allow researchers to isolate variables, making it easier to see how certain factors influence cognitive processes. However, while experiments provide valuable insights, they may also have limitations, such as ecological validity, as they often occur in artificial settings. This can raise questions about how well findings translate to real-life situations.

In summary, while experiments are instrumental in unveiling the mechanics of cognitive psychology and offer a framework for understanding memory and cognition, researchers must also acknowledge their limitations in broader applications.