A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What issue arises from using a volunteer sampling method in Baron-Cohen's study?

1. Time-consuming recruitment process

2. Difficulty in measuring emotional responses

3. Inherent selection bias

4. Increased participant dropout rates

The correct answer is: Inherent selection bias

Using a volunteer sampling method, such as that employed in Baron-Cohen's study, introduces an inherent selection bias. This type of sampling relies on individuals who are willing to participate, which often leads to a non-representative sample of the broader population. Volunteers may share specific characteristics, such as higher levels of interest in the topic, greater availability, or particular demographic traits, which can limit the generalizability of the results. As a result, the findings might reflect the views or behaviors of those who chose to participate rather than capturing a more diverse spectrum of the population, potentially affecting the validity of the conclusions drawn from the study. This underscores the importance of considering the sampling method in research, as it can significantly influence the outcomes and implications.