The Forensic Research in Experimental and Applied Psychology Lab (For-REAL), based at the University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge in legal and forensic psychology through rigorous empirical research. The Lab’s core mission is to investigate the cognitive, emotional, and decisional processes in legally relevant contexts.
Our research addresses fundamental and applied questions, including the mechanisms underlying memory accuracy and distortions, the role of emotions in shaping perception and memory recall, psychological factors that influence testimony, credibility assessments, and decision-making within judicial settings.
A defining feature of For-REAL is its integration of academic research and professional expertise. The lab brings together scholars with national and international collaborations alongside practitioners in law and applied psychology. This structure supports a continuous exchange between empirical research and real-world legal practice.
For-REAL is committed to the principles of Open Science. We prioritize transparency in research design and reporting, preregister our studies whenever possible, and share materials and data in accordance with ethical and legal standards. Through this approach, we aim to contribute to a more rigorous, cumulative, and socially responsible science of legal and forensic psychology.