A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What is a notable weakness identified in Levine et al's study?

1. Cultures being overrepresented

2. Cultures still underrepresented or not represented at all

3. Involvement of various age groups

4. Focus solely on urban settings

The correct answer is: Cultures still underrepresented or not represented at all

The identification of underrepresented cultures or a lack of representation in Levine et al's study highlights a significant weakness, as this can affect the generalizability of the findings. When a study primarily includes data from certain cultures, it limits the ability to draw broad conclusions that apply universally. For psychology, which often seeks to understand behavior across diverse populations, this limitation becomes particularly critical. A lack of diversity in cultural representation can lead to findings that are not applicable or relevant to other groups, thus skewing the interpretation of the study’s outcomes. In the context of Levine et al's research, acknowledging this weakness allows for the consideration of how cultural variations might influence the behaviors or attitudes being studied. This critical view prompts further investigation into different contexts and populations to broaden the understanding of the psychological principles at play.