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 are crucial in cognitive psychology for several reasons. They allow researchers to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between variables by manipulating one variable while controlling others. This enables clearer conclusions about cognitive functions, such as memory processing and retrieval.

For instance, Baddeley's (1966b) experiment on working memory provided significant insights into how different types of information are processed simultaneously. His findings demonstrated that acoustic and semantic coding affect recall, suggesting that memory isn't just a singular function but a complex interplay of various processes.

Moreover, laboratory experiments enhance reliability and validity, because they can be replicated under controlled conditions, increasing confidence in the findings.

On the other hand, experiments might also have limitations, such as ecological validity. Laboratory settings can be artificial and may not accurately reflect real-life cognitive processes. Participants may behave differently when under observation, leading to questions about how applicable the results are to everyday situations.

Overall, while experiments are instrumental in advancing cognitive psychology, one must consider both their strengths in control and clarity, as well as their weaknesses in realism.