A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What does high internal validity in Dixon et al’s study suggest about the methodology?

1. The results are broadly applicable beyond the study context

2. Careful control and matching were applied in the research

3. The sample size was very large

4. Participants were unaware they were being studied

The correct answer is: Careful control and matching were applied in the research

High internal validity in a study, such as the one conducted by Dixon et al., indicates that the methodology used was rigorous in controlling for extraneous variables and ensuring that the results are a clear reflection of the variables being tested. Specifically, it suggests that careful control and matching were applied in the research design. This means that the researchers took deliberate steps to match participants on certain characteristics to isolate the effects of the independent variable, thereby enhancing the reliability of the findings. By ensuring that confounding variables were minimized, the researchers could confidently attribute any observed changes in the dependent variable directly to the manipulation of the independent variable. This strong methodological framework is crucial in establishing causation rather than mere correlation. In contrast, while a large sample size can enhance the generalizability of the findings, it does not necessarily speak to the internal validity. Similarly, participant awareness or lack thereof relates more to aspects of experimental realism or bias rather than directly influencing the internal validity. Thus, the focus on careful control and matching is what drives the high internal validity observed in the study.