A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

How did Levine et al. ensure reliability in their experiments?

1. By using varied methods for data collection

2. By having trained experimenters

3. By allowing participants to self-report

4. By limiting countries involved

The correct answer is: By having trained experimenters

Levine et al. ensured reliability in their experiments by having trained experimenters. This approach is significant because trained experimenters can maintain consistency in how they conduct the procedures across different trials and locations. Their training would encompass standardized instructions, interactions with participants, and the overall implementation of the experimental protocols. This consistency helps minimize variability in results that could arise from different experimenters having different approaches or interpretations, ultimately enhancing the reliability of the findings. The incorrect options present different approaches that do not directly contribute to maintaining reliability in the same way. Varied methods for data collection can provide a richer understanding of a topic but can also introduce variability that complicates the analysis and interpretation of results. Allowing participants to self-report can lead to subjective biases, which may compromise reliability since self-reported data can be influenced by personal perceptions or motivations. Limiting the countries involved in the study can help control for cultural influences, but it doesn't directly ensure that the experiments are conducted in a consistent manner across all trials, which is essential for reliability.