Prepare for the A Level Psychology Exam with our quiz. Access flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations to enhance your study experience and boost your confidence.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What was the primary objective of Baron-Cohen's study?

  1. To assess memory recall of scuba divers

  2. To evaluate whether ASD adults struggle to identify emotions from photographs of eyes

  3. To determine the reliability of matched pairs design in psychological research

  4. To analyze the effects of context on memory retrieval

The correct answer is: To evaluate whether ASD adults struggle to identify emotions from photographs of eyes

The primary objective of Baron-Cohen's study was to evaluate whether adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face difficulties in recognizing emotions through the interpretation of photographs showing only people's eyes. This research aimed to investigate the "Theory of Mind," which refers to the ability to understand one's own and others' mental states, including emotions and intentions. The study provided insights into the social cognitive deficits often experienced by individuals with ASD, highlighting their specific challenges in emotional recognition compared to non-ASD individuals. The focus on eye expressions allowed the study to concentrate on a critical aspect of social interaction, as eyes convey significant emotional information. Findings from this study contributed to a deeper understanding of the social functioning of people with ASD and emphasized the nuances in their emotional comprehension abilities. Through rigorous experimentation, Baron-Cohen was able to establish a clear link between ASD and difficulties in recognizing emotions, making option B the correct answer.