A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which country has the highest mean helping level according to Levine et al.?

1. Singapore

2. San Jose

3. Rio De Janeiro

4. Kuala Lumpur

The correct answer is: Rio De Janeiro

The correct choice reflects the findings of Levine et al. in their studies on altruism and helping behavior across various cultures. Their research indicated that Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, exhibited the highest mean helping levels among the cities they studied. This was based on the examination of how people responded to various staged situations that required assistance, revealing significant cultural variations in helping behavior. The selection of Rio de Janeiro is supported by the methodology used, which considered factors such as the socio-economic context, urban density, and community dynamics, all of which contributed to elevated helping behaviors observed in that city. In contrast, the other locations varied in their helping scores, often influenced by different societal norms and challenges that affect the willingness of individuals to provide assistance in public settings. Understanding these factors offers important insights into the cultural dimensions of altruism and the social influences that shape helping behavior.