A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What criteria were used for selecting countries in Levine et al.'s research?

1. Random selection of countries worldwide

2. Countries with the highest population density

3. Convenience based on the travels of student-data collectors

4. Countries with advanced technological infrastructure

The correct answer is: Convenience based on the travels of student-data collectors

The correct selection of criteria in Levine et al.'s research was indeed based on convenience, primarily utilizing the travel opportunities of student-data collectors. This approach is reflective of a practical consideration in research design, as the student researchers were often limited to countries they could access relatively easily due to their own travel experiences and arrangements. This method allows researchers to gather data efficiently from locations that are readily accessible rather than opting for a truly random sampling of countries that might be difficult to reach or require extensive resources to study. The use of convenience sampling can introduce biases, but it often enables the collection of data that might not otherwise be possible due to constraints in time, budget, or researcher mobility. The other potential options, while sounding plausible, did not align with the approach used in the study. Randomly selecting countries worldwide could lead to a broader spectrum of data but may not have been feasible given the researchers' circumstances. Focusing on countries with the highest population density or those with advanced technological infrastructure would restrict the sample in ways that were not part of Levine et al.'s strategy. Thus, leveraging the researchers' travel experiences provided a unique and practical framework for their investigation.